General News of Wednesday, 8 April 2026

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

Here are the three managers shortlisted for Black Stars coaching role

L-R: Fernando Santos, Carlos Queiroz and Paulo Bento are football coaches L-R: Fernando Santos, Carlos Queiroz and Paulo Bento are football coaches

Several reports indicate that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has shortlisted three foreign coaches for the vacant Black Stars role.

The three managers are Portuguese: Carlos Queiroz, Paulo Bento, and Fernando Santos.

All three have led national teams to major international tournaments, including the World Cup, which is why they are being considered.

GFA shortlists three coaches for Black Stars job - Reports

Reports suggest that whichever coach is appointed will be offered a short-term deal to lead the team to the World Cup, with their performance determining the future of that contract.

This article takes a closer look at their experience in international tournaments.

Fernando Santos

The Portuguese manager stands out among the candidates given his record in international competitions.

In 2010, he was appointed head coach of the Greek national team, leading them at the World Cup in South Africa and later at the European Championship.

He then guided Portugal to a historic European Championship title in 2016 and a Nations League victory in 2019, making history by winning the nation’s first two major titles before departing in 2022. In 2023, he took over Poland but was dismissed in September.

Carlos Queiroz

Queiroz has vast experience managing both African and international teams.

Before becoming a head coach, he served as an assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, gaining valuable tactical knowledge.

He is best known for his long tenure with Iran, managing them for eight years and leading them to three consecutive World Cups.

Queiroz has also coached Portugal, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Colombia, Egypt, and Qatar, guiding South Africa (2002) and Portugal (2010).

His experience in Africa could be a major advantage in his bid for the Black Stars job.

Paulo Bento

Bento began his international coaching career in 2010, leading Portugal to the European Championship in 2012, where they reached the semi-finals.

He also qualified the team for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil but endured a poor campaign, exiting at the group stage after a win against Ghana. He left the role soon after.

In 2018, he was appointed head coach of South Korea, leading them to the World Cup and the Asian Cup, but inconsistent results saw him depart.

In July 2023, Bento took charge of the United Arab Emirates national team but was sacked after failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

SB/JE

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