Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz said his side will remain focused despite injury and availability concerns ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
The four-time African champions face Côte d’Ivoire in Bouake today before hosting The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 29, 2026.
Ghana would also play Morocco in an international friendly during the period.
Some key players including Nathaniel Adjei, Jan Gyamerah and Prince Kwabena Adu would be unavailable due to injuries while Mohammed Kudus who recently recovered from injury has withdrawn from the squad.
This latest development has forced Queiroz to make some new additions including Jonas Adjetey, Alidu Seidu, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Mohammed Fuseini, Rahim Ibrahim and Ebenezer Annan.
Speaking at a news conference in Accra, Queiroz likened the team’s challenges to a boat navigating difficult waters but expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to compete.
“We have a few holes in the boat, but we keep sailing strong,” Queiroz said as he addressed recent setbacks affecting player availability ahead of the double-header.
The coach also raised concerns over player availability, saying frequent changes to the squad had hindered efforts to build continuity within the national team.
“You can’t change seven, eight or 10 players every time the national team plays and expect to succeed,” Queiroz said.
“We have to find a way to build the team around a core of players. Availability, commitment and accountability are key words for success.”
The Portuguese coach added that long-term success would require investment beyond the senior national side, arguing that player development and infrastructure were just as important as results on the pitch.
“Ghana has all the conditions to win trophies. But you cannot put your resources in one basket – players or coach,” he said.
“You have to put resources in player development, youth education, facilities, infrastructure, logistics and medical capabilities. If you fail in those compartments, you cannot succeed.”
Asked about his football philosophy, Queiroz dismissed suggestions that style should take precedence over results.
“My style of football is the winning style,” he said.
“I never saw coaches lose their job because of style. They lose their job because they don’t win. Winning makes the style. Winning makes the fashion. That’s the law of the game.” –GNA
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