Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz has urged Ghanaians to temper expectations as the four-time African champions begin their bid to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Ghana are looking to return to the tournament after failing to reach the 2025 finals in Morocco, ending a long run of consecutive appearances.
The Black Stars have endured successive group-stage exits at recent Afcon tournaments before missing out on qualification altogether, but Queiroz says the team’s immediate priority is securing a place at next year’s finals in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.
“We must have ambition, but also humility,” the 73-year-old Portuguese coach said.
“We know our recent history, and we cannot talk about winning Afcon when we have not yet qualified. We have to work, grow, compete and earn our destiny.”
Queiroz, who led Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, said the upcoming qualifying campaign forms part of a broader plan to build a squad capable of competing at the 2030 World Cup.
“Hands on the present, eyes on the future,” he said.
“The priority is very clear: absolute focus on Afcon qualification, with our eyes set on the 2030 World Cup.
“We have an immediate objective that demands our full concentration, but we also have a greater destination ahead of us. This is the moment to start building the team for 2030, a team truly capable of honouring Ghana’s extraordinary World Cup legacy.”
Ghana begin their Group C campaign away to Côte d’Ivoire on 24 September before hosting Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium three days later.
The Black Stars will then face Morocco in a friendly at the Grand Stade de Tanger on 4 October.
