Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz has challenged the Black Stars to raise their standards and compete with the continent’s leading nations as they prepare to begin their qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The 73-year-old, who has returned to lead the senior national team, said the team must acknowledge the level of competition they face if they are to secure a place at the tournament and re-establish themselves among Africa’s elite.
Speaking ahead of the Black Stars’ opening qualifiers against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia, Queiroz stressed the importance of learning from the continent’s strongest teams.
“Everyone knows the level of competition we face,” Queiroz told Ghana FA media.
“When we look at some of the national teams currently at the top of African football, we see established sides, built over time, with many of their best players competing regularly at the highest level in Europe, including the Champions League.
“That is the competitive reality we must recognise and the level we must pursue.”
Ghana are seeking a return to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after missing out on qualification for the 2025 tournament in Morocco, a disappointing campaign that ended with the four-time champions finishing bottom of their group.
The Black Stars will begin their quest for a place at the 2027 finals with a difficult away fixture against Côte d’Ivoire on 24 September at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké.
They will then return home to face The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium three days later in what could prove to be another crucial early test in Group C.
Queiroz recently named a 24-man squad for the two qualifiers, with the squad featuring the core of the players who represented Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as well as a number of fresh faces.
Following the AFCON qualifiers, Ghana will travel to Morocco for an international friendly against the Atlas Lions at the Grand Stade de Tanger on 4 October.
