{
  "id": 9643435,
  "title": "Carlos Queiroz calls for VAR in AFCON qualifiers after Ghana defeat to Ivory Coast",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/carlos-queiroz-calls-for-var-in-afcon-qualifiers-after-ghana-defeat",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-24T22:36:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Adom Online",
    "slug": "adom-online",
    "url": "https://www.adomonline.com/carlos-queiroz-calls-for-var-in-afcon-qualifiers-after-ghana-defeat-to-ivory-coast/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ghana's head coach Carlos Queiroz has called for the use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers following his team's 2-0 loss to Côte d'Ivoire. The defeat, which occurred during their 2027 AFCON qualifier opener in Bouaké, saw Ghana trailing after Malick Yalcouyé's early goal for the hosts. The match was decided when Abdul Fatawu Issahaku's penalty converted by Franck Kessié solidified Côte d'Ivoire's victory. While Queiroz commended Côte d'Ivoire's performance, he expressed strong dissatisfaction with the officiating and the absence of VAR. The Portuguese coach questioned the lack of VAR in one of Africa's most significant football competitions, arguing that it could prevent critical errors. \"Nothing to do with Ivory Coast; they played very well, all the players played very well. Congratulations,\" Queiroz stated, adding that he was frustrated by repeated poor refereeing decisions in African football. Born in Mozambique, Queiroz emphasized his long-standing frustration with match officials who fail to perform adequately. Ghana's result leaves them at the bottom of Group C, while Côte d'Ivoire takes the top spot with three points. The Black Stars aim to bounce back when they host Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 29th.",
  "summary": "Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has questioned why Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology is not being used in Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after his side’s 2-0 defeat by Côte d’Ivoire. The Black Stars opened their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign with defeat in Bouaké, where Malick Yalcouyé put the hosts ahead just before half-time at […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Carlos Queiroz demands VAR in AFCON qualifiers after Ghana's 2-0 loss to Côte d'Ivoire.",
    "Queiroz praises Côte d'Ivoire's performance despite criticizing poor refereeing.",
    "Ghana now sits at the bottom of Group C following the defeat."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Adom Online",
        "title": "2027 AFCONQ: I am proud of my team despite loss to Ivory Coast – Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/2027-afconq-i-am-proud-of-my-team-despite-loss-to-ivory-coast-ghana",
        "published": "2026-09-24T22:53:43.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}