2027 AFCONQ: Carlos Queiroz defends Ghana selections after Gambia defeat

Ghana's coach Carlos Queiroz has stood up for his team's selection choices following their second loss in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The Black Stars suffered a 4-2 defeat to The Gambia at Accra Sports Stadium, despite having a two-goal lead at one point. Ghana had hoped to bounce back from their 2-0 loss to Côte d'Ivoire in a previous match, but the result leaves them without a point from their opening two Group C matches.

Queiroz made substitutions during the second half, introducing Ibrahim and Augustine to potentially revive Ghana's fortunes. The Portuguese coach claimed that he had utilized the best players available to him, both on and off the pitch, and admitted that the team's players were not performing at their peak due to fatigue. "We have the best players available to play this game, inside the pitch and outside the pitch, and when some of our players are not on fresh legs, we have to make decisions," Queiroz stated after the match.

Despite the loss, Ghana must quickly regroup as their next qualifiers are set for October against Somalia in a double-header at Accra Sports Stadium. The Black Stars are aiming to reclaim their place in the continental showpiece after missing the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, a tournament they had appeared in consecutively for over two decades.