Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz wants to end 44-year AFCON trophy drought

Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz has challenged the Black Stars to confront the reasons behind the country's 44-year wait for Africa Cup of Nations glory as he targets a return to the final.

Ghana last won the AFCON in 1982 and has since endured more than four decades without lifting the continent's biggest international trophy.

Queiroz, who has returned for a second spell as Black Stars coach, believes Ghana must honestly assess the factors behind the long drought and find solutions to restore the team's ambitions.

“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,” Queiroz said.

The Portuguese coach has set his sights on taking Ghana to the final of the next AFCON, saying he hopes the team's long wait for success can be shortened by another year.

“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 added.

Ghana missed the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco after failing to qualify for the tournament, making a return to the continental competition a major objective under Queiroz.

The Black Stars will begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign against Cote d’Ivoire in Bouake on Thursday, September 24, before hosting The Gambia three days later.

Queiroz will hope the qualifiers provide the foundation for Ghana to return to the AFCON and begin the process of challenging for major honours again.

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