The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has initiated a critical process concerning the long-term leadership of the Black Stars, following a protracted and ultimately unsuccessful negotiation with Carlos Queiroz regarding a potential contract extension. The situation arose following Queiroz’s appointment in April 2023, initially on a short-term deal, and his subsequent guidance to Ghana to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, a significant achievement for the nation. Queiroz, a seasoned veteran of the Portuguese football landscape, was reportedly compensated with a monthly salary of $80,000, a figure that sparked considerable discussion within the Ghanaian football community. However, these discussions soon stalled, with Queiroz’s insistence on a substantial increase – $150,000 – triggering a series of complications within the GFA and the Black Stars’ technical staff. The veteran coach’s demands, particularly regarding additional foreign personnel for his team, further exacerbated the situation, prompting a reassessment of the situation and a scramble for alternative options. The GFA, under the leadership of President Kurt Okraku, is currently evaluating several potential replacements, with Desmond Ofei emerging as a prominent contender, representing the seventh head coach under Okraku’s administration. If appointed, Ofei would assume the role of the seventh head coach under the GFA, marking a significant milestone in the Black Stars’ managerial structure. This situation underscores a critical juncture for Ghana, with the nation’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign rapidly approaching. The Black Stars, having failed to qualify for the 2023 tournament in Morocco, have been drawn into Group C alongside West African rivals Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, and Somalia. The GFA faces mounting pressure to resolve this uncertainty surrounding the Black Stars’ technical leadership and secure a coach capable of effectively guiding the team through the upcoming qualification campaign, a task which will be particularly challenging given the nation’s aspirations for a successful AFCON run. Recent reports indicate that the GFA has been actively exploring alternative options to secure a new head coach before the commencement of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, a crucial opportunity for Ghana to demonstrate its progress and compete on the continent.” , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Source: Adom Sports
