Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has urged Ghana to approach their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with humility as the four-time champions begin their bid to return to the tournament.
Ghana have endured a difficult spell in recent years, suffering back-to-back group-stage exits before failing to qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco – their first absence from the competition in two decades.
The Black Stars, who last lifted the continental title in 1982, will start their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign later this month with away and home fixtures against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia.
Speaking to Ghana FA Media, Queiroz warned against looking too far ahead, insisting the team’s immediate priority should be securing qualification rather than talking about winning the trophy.
“We must have ambition, but also humility,” he 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.”
Ghana’s 44-year wait for a fifth AFCON title has been marked by near misses, with the Black Stars finishing runners-up in 1992, 2010 and 2015.
The team are expected to depart Accra today, September 23, for Bouaké, where they will face Côte d’Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix on 24 September.
They will then return home to host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on 27 September, as Queiroz looks to make a strong start in Group C.
The September international window will conclude with a high-profile friendly against Morocco at the Grand Stade de Tanger on 4 October, offering Ghana another opportunity to build momentum as they seek a return to Africa’s biggest football tournament.
