Carlos Queiroz Demands Results as Injury-Hit Black Stars Prepare for Vital AFCON 2027 Qualifier Against The Gambia

The Black Stars of Ghana are under intense pressure to secure their first points in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign as they prepare to host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium. Following a disappointing 2-0 opening defeat to Côte d’Ivoire, where goals from Malick Yalcouyé and Franck Kessié left Ghana at the bottom of Group C, head coach Carlos Queiroz has emphasized that tangible results are the only measure of success. Queiroz, who was recently reinstated as the permanent head coach after a temporary stint during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, faces a mounting challenge as he seeks only his second win in seven matches under his leadership.

Preparation for the crucial encounter has been hampered by a growing injury list, most notably the withdrawal of key defender Alexander Djiku. Djiku sustained an injury during the previous clash with Côte d’Ivoire and has returned to his club for further treatment. His absence compounds the challenges for Queiroz, who is already navigating the qualifier without star attackers Mohammed Kudus and Antoine Semenyo. Despite these setbacks, the coach has remained defiant, urging fans to support the players who are present rather than focusing on those missing. "If you’re coming to complain about absent players, it’s better to stay home," Queiroz stated during a pre-match briefing, stressing that the current squad needs uplifting support to overcome their recent slump of just one win in 11 games.

Queiroz has also used the buildup to the Gambia match to articulate a long-term vision for the national team, focusing on a strategic rebuild that favors consistency over frequent squad overhauls. He argued that championship-winning teams cannot be built if the call-ups change every window, highlighting his goal of creating a core group capable of sustained success leading into the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Dismissing questions regarding the specifics of his contract with the Ghana Football Association, Queiroz asserted that he is in Ghana to serve the team rather than discuss personal terms, famously noting that "the god of football is results."

As the team heads into their final mandatory training sessions on September 28, 2026, Moroccan referee Mustapha Kechchaf has been confirmed to officiate the match scheduled for the following day. He will be assisted by a continental crew including Lahsen Azgaou and Tunisians Yassine Saadaoui and Amir Loucif. For a Ghanaian side that failed to qualify for the 2025 AFCON, the stakes could not be higher. A victory against the Scorpions of The Gambia is seen as essential not only for their 2027 qualification hopes but also to restore public confidence in Queiroz’s rebuilding project.