Former Ghana Football Association vice-president George Afriyie says it is time to support Carlos Queiroz, who has just been reappointed as Black Stars head coach, even though Queiroz was not his first choice for the role.
The GFA announced Queiroz’s return ahead of Ghana’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. The 73-year-old led the Black Stars to the 2026 World Cup knockout stage during his first four months in charge.
Queiroz took over as coach in April after Otto Addo was dismissed in March. He then led Ghana to its first World Cup knockout round since 2010.
Before Queiroz was first appointed, Afriyie publicly questioned the decision. He was concerned about the coach’s age, motivation, and tactical approach.
“Before they appointed him [Carlos Queiroz], I always made my position clear that he is not my preferred coach and my reasons are simple,” Afriyie told Graphic Sports.
“I don’t see how a 73- or 74-year-old can do it in six months; I don’t see his motivation to take Ghana to any place.”
He also said Queiroz prefers a defensive style, which does not match Ghana’s usual attacking way of playing.
Still, despite his doubts, Afriyie believes the discussion about Queiroz’s leadership is now over.
With the appointment now official, attention shifts to Ghana’s effort to return to AFCON after missing the last tournament in Morocco.
Queiroz’s first game back will be on 24 September, when the Black Stars play Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké at the Stade de la Paix for their first Group C qualifier.
Ghana will then host The Gambia three days later at the Accra Sports Stadium. Somalia is also in the group, giving the four-time African champions a good chance to return to Africa’s top football tournament. Queiroz has a golden opportunity to harness the momentum from Ghana’s World Cup run and reignite the Black Stars’ reputation across African football.
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