Queiroz challenges Ghana to end 44-year AFCON trophy drought
By: Godbless Asaana
Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has challenged Ghana to confront the reasons behind its prolonged failure to win the Africa Cup of Nations as the team begins its qualification campaign for the 2027 tournament.
Ghana, a four-time African champion, last lifted the AFCON trophy in 1982 in Libya. Despite producing several generations of talented players since then, the Black Stars have failed to secure a fifth continental title.
Queiroz believes Ghana must take an honest and professional look at the factors behind the 44-year drought and identify the solutions needed to restore the country’s dominance on the continent.
“Why are we not winning the Africa Cup of Nations for 44 years? That’s the question that we have to assess in an honest way, professional way, competitive way, to find the solutions to rebuild that dream and make it happen,” he said.
The Portuguese coach believes Ghana’s rich history in African football provides a strong foundation for rebuilding the team and pursuing another continental triumph.
The Black Stars came closest to ending the drought in 2015 when they reached the AFCON final in Equatorial Guinea. However, they suffered a heartbreaking 9-8 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire on penalties after the match ended goalless following extra time.
The defeat extended Ghana’s wait for another AFCON title, with subsequent campaigns failing to deliver the breakthrough. Ghana also missed the most recent edition of the tournament, ending its long-standing run of appearances at the continental showpiece.
For Queiroz, qualification for Morocco 2027 is only the beginning. The ultimate target is to take Ghana back to the AFCON final and compete for the trophy.
“I hope that dream will be reduced by one year and we can be in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations. I hope so. That’s my dream,” he said.
Ghana will open its 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign against Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké on September 24 before hosting The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 29.
The two matches will mark the beginning of Ghana’s quest to return to the continental tournament and, ultimately, end a drought that has lasted since 1982.
For Queiroz, the challenge goes beyond securing qualification. It is about rebuilding Ghana’s belief, competitiveness and ambition to finally reclaim the AFCON crown.
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