Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz says Ghana must remain focused on the immediate task of securing victory in their next game as they begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.
Ghana will open their Group C campaign against Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké on Thursday, September 24, before hosting The Gambia four days later in Accra.
With two crucial fixtures ahead, Queiroz has urged his players to approach the qualifiers one game at a time, stressing the importance of securing a positive result in each match.
“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 qualification for the 2025 AFCON and will be hoping to avoid another setback as they begin their campaign to secure a place at the 2027 tournament.
Their first test will be a challenging away encounter against Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké, after which the Black Stars will return home to face The Gambia in Accra on September 29.
Queiroz has also been forced to make several changes to his squad ahead of the opening fixture.
Mohammed Kudus and Nathaniel Adjei have withdrawn through injury, while Thomas Partey was not invited due to his hamstring problems.
Alidu Seidu, Jonas Adjetey, Mohammed Fuseini and Brandon Thomas-Asante have subsequently been called up as replacements.
Despite the changes, Queiroz insists the Black Stars’ attention remains firmly on the immediate challenge.
Ghana must first navigate the difficult encounter against Côte d’Ivoire before turning their attention to The Gambia, as they seek to make a strong start to their 2027 AFCON qualification campaign.
