Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has submitted his squad for Ghana’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches, with the final list expected to be officially announced this week.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has confirmed that the Portuguese coach has completed his selection ahead of Ghana’s Group C campaign, which begins with a difficult away fixture against Ivory Coast.

GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum disclosed on Monday that Queiroz’s squad is currently undergoing the association’s internal approval process before invitations are sent to the selected players.

“Coach Carlos Queiroz has submitted his squad for the upcoming games, and it is currently going through the required processes,” Asante Twum said.

“It will first go before the Management Committee and then the Executive Council. Once all the necessary processes have been completed, invitations will be sent to the selected players. Hopefully, the squad will be officially announced next week.”

Ghana Face Tough Opening Test

Ghana will begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign away from home when they travel to face Ivory Coast on September 24 at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké.

The Black Stars will then return home for their second Group C fixture against The Gambia on September 29 at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The opening two matches will provide an early test for Queiroz as he begins his latest assignment with the national team and attempts to restore Ghana’s status among Africa’s leading football nations.

Ghana will be particularly determined to make a strong start after missing out on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. It was the first time the four-time African champions had failed to qualify for the continental tournament since 2004.

Queiroz Begins Second Spell

Queiroz, 73, was reappointed as Black Stars head coach on September 2, 2026, following Ghana’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

The Portuguese tactician had initially stepped down after the tournament but later agreed to return following discussions with the GFA and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation.

The GFA has backed Queiroz’s experience and familiarity with the squad as key reasons for his return, with the coach now tasked with guiding Ghana through what is expected to be a demanding AFCON qualifying campaign.

With the Ivory Coast clash fast approaching, attention will now turn to the final squad announcement and the players Queiroz believes can deliver a positive start to Ghana’s redemption campaign.

The official squad is expected to be announced in the coming days.