Carlos Queiroz targets AFCON final as Ghana seek to end 44-year wait

Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz aims to restore Ghana's ambition of winning the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and end the country's 44-year wait for the continental title. Ghana has not won the AFCON since 1982. The Portuguese coach believes the team must address the reasons behind that prolonged drought before challenging for the trophy again.

During a media conference in Accra following his reappointment, Queiroz emphasized that "Why are we not winning the African Cup of Nations for 44 years? That’s the question that we have to assess." He added, "And honestly, in a professional way, in a competitive way, to find the solutions to rebuild that dream and make it happen."

The 73-year-old coach is confident in Ghana's young talent, noting the age profile of the current squad, which includes players in their early 20s. Queiroz stated, "I hope that dream will be reduced to one year, and in one year we can be in the final of the African Cup of Nations." "I hope so. That’s my dream." His immediate focus is on guiding Ghana through their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign, which starts with a Group C match against Côte d'Ivoire on 24 September in Bouaké.

Ghana will then host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on 27 September before traveling to Morocco for a friendly against the Atlas Lions on 4 October. Ghana missed the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, a long absence from the continental tournament.