Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz says he wants to restore Ghana’s ambition of winning the Africa Cup of Nations and end the country’s 44-year wait for the continental title.
Ghana have not won the AFCON since 1982, and Queiroz believes the team must confront the reasons behind that prolonged drought before finding ways to challenge for the trophy again.
Speaking to the media in Accra on Monday following his reappointment, the Portuguese coach said rebuilding that ambition would be central to his work with the Black Stars.
“Why are we not winning the African Cup of Nations for 44 years? That’s the question that we have to assess,” Queiroz said.
“And honestly, in a professional way, in a competitive way, to find the solutions to rebuild that dream and make it happen.”
The 73-year-old believes Ghana have the young talent required to build a team capable of competing at the highest level of African football.
Queiroz highlighted the age profile of the current squad, pointing to several players in the attack and midfield who are around 20 to 22 years old.
He said the presence of young players in key positions provides Ghana with a foundation to develop a competitive side over the coming years.
“I hope that dream will be reduced to one year, and in one year we can be in the final of the African Cup of Nations,” he said.
“I hope so. That’s my dream.”
Queiroz’s immediate task is to guide Ghana through their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign, with the Black Stars beginning Group C against Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké on 24 September.
Ghana will then host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on 27 September before travelling to Morocco for a friendly against the Atlas Lions at the Grand Stade de Tanger on 4 October.
The Black Stars missed the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, ending a long run of appearances at the continental tournament.
