Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz says Ghana must stop treating qualification for major tournaments as the ultimate goal, insisting the team should instead strive for sustained success at the highest level.
The 73-year-old believes the four-time African champions need to build a team capable of consistently reaching major competitions and challenging for trophies over many years.
Speaking ahead of Ghana’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against The Gambia, Queiroz pointed to the world’s most successful national teams as examples of how lasting success is built through sustained achievement rather than isolated qualifications.
“Qualifying for one or two tournaments is not a sign of success,” Queiroz said.
“The most successful teams don’t also win just one tournament here and there. They win one, go on and win two, three, four and so on.”
His remarks come as the Black Stars prepare for a crucial Group C clash against The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday, September 29.
Ghana head into the fixture under pressure after opening their qualifying campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké, where goals from Malick Yalcouyé and Franck Kessié handed the hosts victory.
The Black Stars are also seeking to avoid another major setback after missing out on qualification for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, a disappointment that brought to an end a run of more than two decades of consecutive appearances at Africa’s biggest football tournament.
