George AfriyieFormer Ghana Football Association (GFA) vice-president George Afriyie says it is time to back Carlos Queiroz after the Portuguese coach was reappointed as Black Stars head coach, despite maintaining that he was never his preferred choice for the role.The GFA confirmed Queiroz’s return ahead of Ghana’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign after the 73-year-old guided the Black Stars to the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup during an initial four-month spell in charge.Queiroz was appointed in April following Otto Addo’s dismissal in March and led Ghana to its first appearance in the World Cup knockout rounds since 2010.Before his initial appointment, Afriyie had publicly questioned the decision, raising concerns over the veteran coach’s age, motivation and tactical philosophy.”Before they appointed him [Carlos Queiroz], I always made my position clear that he is not my preferred coach and my reasons are simple,” Afriyie told Graphic Sports.”I don’t see how a 73-or 74-year-old can do it in six months; I don’t see his motivation to take Ghana to any place.”He also argued that Queiroz’s preference for a more defensive approach did not suit Ghana’s traditional attacking style of play.Despite standing by those reservations, Afriyie believes the discussion over whether Queiroz should be in charge has now come to an end.With the appointment confirmed, attention has shifted to Ghana’s attempt to secure a return to AFCON after failing to qualify for the previous tournament in Morocco.Queiroz’s first assignment in his new spell will come on 24 September, when the Black Stars travel to Bouak to face Cte d’Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix in their opening Group C qualifier.Ghana will then host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium three days later, with Somalia completing a group that offers the four-time African champions an opportunity to make an immediate return to the continent’s biggest football tournament.The qualifiers will also provide Queiroz with the chance to build on the momentum generated during Ghana’s World Cup campaign as he looks to restore the Black Stars’ standing in African football.
Source link
Ex-GFA chief George Afriyie welcomes Carlos Queiroz return as Black Stars coach despite earlier doubts
