Beyond Queiroz: Why Ghana’s football problems run deeper than the coach – Kwame Bediako writes
By Kwame Bediako After a 4–2 home defeat to The Gambia, Ghana’s situation has become genuinely serious. The Black Stars have zero points from two Group C matches, following the 2–0 loss to Côte d’Ivoire. The Gambia now have six points. But the immediate question isn’t just “Should Queiroz go?” It is: what needs to […]
Ghana's football woes extend far beyond the controversial coaching decisions of Marco Queiroz, argues Kwame Bediako. After the 4-2 home loss to The Gambia, the Black Stars have amassed no points from two Group C matches, following a 2-0 defeat to Cote d'Ivoire. The immediate question is no longer whether Queiroz should step down, but what fundamental changes must be implemented and who bears responsibility.
Firstly, a comprehensive technical review is crucial. Ghana's collapse from a 2-0 lead to a 4-2 defeat reveals deficiencies in defensive organization, tactical management, and the team's ability to adapt when the momentum shifts. Despite controlling 71% of possession and registering only three shots on target, Ghana conceded four goals while The Gambia managed four from six attempts.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) must scrutinize the coaching team's tactical choices, substitutions, defensive structure, and their capacity to manage match dynamics.
Secondly, Queiroz's future with the team appears increasingly uncertain. While he has ruled out resignation, the ultimate decision on his position rests with the GFA and their performance outcomes. This means the football authorities must now make a clear choice: either continue with the current project and set concrete expectations, or initiate a course change. Uncertainty cannot persist as Ghana's qualification campaign draws to a close.
Thirdly, the players must also shoulder their share of responsibility. Despite leading 2-0 at home, Ghana fell behind despite their initial advantage. Experienced international players must recognize when a match is slipping away, regaining control, and safeguarding their lead. Blaming the coach for every setback is no longer tenable.
Fourthly, the GFA must look beyond the immediate qualifiers. Ghana's absence from AFCON 2025 and their loss of the first two qualifiers for AFCON 2027 highlight deeper systemic issues. The association needs to formulate a holistic football strategy encompassing player recruitment and development, coaching appointments and contracts, youth-to-senior transitions, technical structures within the GFA, player availability and commitment, and performance standards. Accountability must be established when targets are not met.
Finally, while the next qualifiers are not until November 9-17, 2026, there are six weeks to dissect what went wrong and enact meaningful transformations. The defeat is more than just losing three points; Ghana has squandered a two-goal home lead, remains without a point after two matches, and faces the urgent need for a major turnaround.
The Ghanaian Football Association must not only ask "Can Ghana still qualify?" but also "What are we constructing, who is accountable for it, and what changes are we willing to implement now?"
Written by urgent.news from GBC Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
