Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz says Ghana must focus on winning their next game as they begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
With Ghana set to face Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké on Thursday before hosting The Gambia four days later, Queiroz stressed the importance of taking the campaign one step at a time.
“There is always a new challenge. For me, the most important trophy at this moment is the next game, to win the next game,” Queiroz said.
“You cannot be on the top roof of Accra without climbing the steps of the building, and the steps for us now are to win the next game.”
Ghana missed out on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and are determined to avoid another qualification failure as they begin their Group C campaign.
The Black Stars will face a difficult opening test away against Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké, before welcoming The Gambia to Accra on September 29.
Queiroz has also had to deal with significant changes to his squad ahead of the opening fixture, with Mohammed Kudus and Nathaniel Adjei withdrawing through injury, while Thomas Partey was not invited because of his hamstring problems.
Several late replacements have since been confirmed, including Alidu Seidu, Jonas Adjetey, Mohammed Fuseini and Brandon Thomas-Asante.
For Queiroz, however, the focus remains firmly on the immediate task rather than looking too far ahead.
The Black Stars must first navigate Côte d’Ivoire before turning their attention to The Gambia as they look to take their first steps towards qualification for the 2027 AFCON.
