Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz says Ghana must focus on qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations before discussing ending the country’s 44-year wait for the continental title.
The four-time African champions have not lifted the AFCON trophy since 1982 and have fallen short in three finals, losing in 1992, 2010 and 2015.
Ghana’s recent record has been more troubling, with consecutive group-stage exits followed by failure to qualify for the 2025 tournament in Morocco.
As the Black Stars begin preparations for the 2027 qualifiers, Queiroz has urged players and supporters to temper expectations and focus on rebuilding the team’s competitiveness.
“We must have ambition, but also humility,” the 73-year-old told the Ghana Football Association website.
“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,” the 73-year-old added.
Ghana open their qualifying campaign with a difficult away fixture against Côte d’Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on 24 September.
The Black Stars will then return to the Accra Sports Stadium to host The Gambia on 27 September as Queiroz looks to build early momentum in Group C.
The international window will conclude with a high-profile friendly against Morocco at the Grand Stade de Tanger on 4 October.
The Black Stars have already opened camp in Accra as preparations intensify for the three fixtures.
