Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz says Ghana have put the lessons from their defeat to Côte d’Ivoire behind them and are ready for Tuesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against The Gambia.
Queiroz made the remarks after Ghana’s final training session on Monday, confirming that 22 players are available for the Group C encounter at the Accra Sports Stadium. Ronald remains the only player in doubt, with the coach hoping he will be fit enough to make the bench.
The Portuguese coach said the team had used the defeat to Côte d’Ivoire to improve specific areas of their game, particularly their finishing and decision-making in attacking situations.
“We always win or learn, and we learned something in that game,” Queiroz said, adding that the players were motivated and ready for the challenge against The Gambia.
He acknowledged that the Black Stars are facing challenges but said the focus within the team is on finding solutions rather than making excuses.
According to Queiroz, Ghana’s failure to qualify for the previous Africa Cup of Nations should not determine the team’s approach to Tuesday’s match, insisting that the focus must remain on the present and future.
He also called on supporters attending the match to back the players available for selection rather than dwell on those who are absent.
“We have to move everybody that supports Black Stars in the same direction,” he said.
Queiroz further stressed the need for consistency in building a successful national team, arguing that Ghana must maintain a core group of players while investing in youth development, coaching education and football infrastructure.
On the approach against The Gambia, he said Ghana must control possession, recover the ball quickly and be more effective in front of goal.
The Black Stars will be seeking a positive result against The Gambia as they begin their campaign to qualify for the 2027 AFCON.