Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Vice President George Afriyie has raised concerns over the long-term suitability of Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the Black Stars, arguing that Ghana requires a younger and more ambitious tactician capable of delivering sustained success.
Queiroz was appointed as Ghana’s head coach following the dismissal of Otto Addo, taking charge on a short-term deal with less than three months to prepare the team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Despite the limited preparation period and criticism surrounding his cautious tactical approach, the experienced Portuguese trainer guided the Black Stars to the Round of 32 at the World Cup, securing Ghana’s first knockout-stage appearance since the 2010 tournament in South Africa.
However, Afriyie believes Queiroz’s age and coaching philosophy raise questions about his ability to lead Ghana’s long-term project.
Speaking on Adom TV, the former GFA executive argued that a defensive approach alone cannot guarantee success at the highest level.
“No coach who adopts defensive tactics wins trophies. If we keep Carlos Queiroz for one or two years, we will eventually sack him. What motivation does he have to win a trophy for Ghana?” Afriyie questioned.
“If he were working for the government, he would already be retired. We need a challenging and ambitious coach—someone who wants to achieve something in his career, prove something, and not someone who is nearing the end of his career.”
Afriyie explained that before Queiroz’s appointment, he had advocated for an experienced coach to help Ghana navigate a difficult period, especially due to the limited time available before the World Cup.
He noted that his position was misunderstood by some Ghanaians, stressing that his recommendation was based on the need for stability and proper guidance during a challenging period.
“I told Ghanaians that we needed an experienced coach to take us through the situation we were in because we had little time. But people did not understand what I meant,” he said.
The former GFA Vice President added that Ghana needed to conduct broader consultations and appoint a coach who could not only handle the World Cup but also build a strong foundation for the future.
With attention now turning to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Ghana’s next challenge will be in Group C, where they have been drawn alongside Gambia, Côte d’Ivoire and Somalia.
The qualifiers are set to begin in September, while the Ghana Football Association is expected to make a decision on Carlos Queiroz’s future in the coming days.









