Black Stars Shake-Up: Queiroz Fights Critics Amidst Injury Crisis and AFCON Dream

The Black Stars are gearing up for a crucial international break, marked by significant squad changes, coaching staff appointments, and strategic discussions ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers and an international friendly.

Head coach Carlos Queiroz faces challenges with player availability, while also firmly defending his coaching philosophy and outlining the team's immediate and long-term objectives.

Concerns have arisen over the fitness of forward Prince Adu Kwabena, who sustained a head injury during Viktoria Plzen’s recent defeat to Slavia Prague.

The 22-year-old was stretchered off and had to be substituted in the 90th minute, making him a major doubt for the upcoming Black Stars fixtures.

Viktoria Plzen manager Radoslav Kovac confirmed that the club is yet to fully assess the situation, expressing hope that the injury is not serious.

Adu Kwabena was initially named in Queiroz’s 24-man squad for the qualifiers and the friendly against Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, and Morocco.

Adding to the squad adjustments, Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Mohammed Kudus has withdrawn from the national team.

Carlos Queiroz explained that Kudus, after playing over 70 minutes for his club against Aston Villa, needed more time to rest and recover fully.

The coach emphasized that national team decisions must be made based on available information, acknowledging the complexities of managing players alongside their club commitments.

As a replacement, Derby County forward Mohammed Fuseini has received a late call-up.

Fuseini, who recently scored an equalizer for his club, was brought in not only to fill the void left by Kudus but also due to the uncertainty surrounding Adu Kwabena’s availability. This marks Fuseini's first Black Stars invitation since his debut goal in the 2025 Unity Cup.

In a move to strengthen the technical team, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has confirmed the appointment of former Ghana international Godwin Attram as assistant coach. Attram, an ex-PSV Eindhoven and Silkeborg IF playmaker with coaching experience at Great Olympics and various national youth teams, replaces Desmond Ofei, who will now focus solely on his role as head coach of the U23 national team, the Black Meteors.

Coach Carlos Queiroz has been assertive in defending his football philosophy amidst criticism, stating his priority is "winning" over conforming to a particular style. "The only style I know is winning," Queiroz declared, adding that coaches are judged by results, not style.

He asserted that he would not change his approach after 47 years in football. Queiroz also outlined Ghana’s strategic priorities: "Hands on the present, eyes on the future."

The immediate objective is clear: absolute focus on qualifying for the 2027 AFCON, while simultaneously building the team for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, aiming to honor Ghana’s extraordinary World Cup legacy.

However, the terms of Queiroz’s tenure have become a point of contention, and the former Ghana midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has publicly called on the GFA and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation to disclose the length and targets of Queiroz’s contract.

Agyemang-Badu argued that transparency is crucial for the public and pundits to fairly judge the coach’s performance, as without knowing the contract’s duration and objectives, it is impossible to determine whether the focus should be on immediate results or a long-term rebuilding process.

Queiroz was initially appointed in April 2026 to lead Ghana at the FIFA World Cup, and a new coaching mandate was confirmed after the tournament, though its details remain undisclosed.

The Black Stars' international window begins with a challenging trip to Côte d’Ivoire for a 2027 AFCON qualifier on September 24 in Bouaké. They will then host The Gambia for another qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 27.

The window will conclude with an international friendly against Morocco in Tangier on October 4.

The team aims for a positive start to their AFCON campaign, especially after failing to qualify for the 2025 tournament.