Sports World

Carlos Queiroz has refused to accept that Ghana are in crisis, even as the Black Stars prepare for an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier that already feels like a must-win just one game into the campaign.

Ghana host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium this afternoon, with kick-off at 16:00 GMT, in the second round of Group C fixtures. It is a chance to put last Thursday's 2-0 defeat to Ivory Coast in Bouaké behind them, and a meeting with a Gambian side that arrives with confidence after beating Somalia 2-1 in their opener.

'Challenges, not a problem'

Speaking at Monday's pre-match press conference, Queiroz drew a clear line between the difficulties his team is facing and the state of the national team itself. He acknowledged that Ghana are dealing with a number of challenges and problems, but insisted the Black Stars are not a problem, and would not become one in the future.

The Portuguese coach's words come against a difficult backdrop. According to MyJoyOnline, Queiroz, who was first appointed before the 2026 World Cup, has won only one of his six games in charge, and the defeat in Bouaké extended a poor run. Pulse Ghana's figures show the Black Stars have won one, drawn one and lost three of their last five matches.

Queiroz also confirmed that 22 players are available for selection, according to Pulse Ghana.

Injuries shape the selection

Availability has been the dominant theme of this international window. Centre-back Alexander Djiku was ruled out of today's game after the injury he suffered in Bouaké, and Queiroz is also without Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus, Alidu Seidu, Nathaniel Adjei and Baba Rahman, as reported by Adomonline.

The Gambia have their own absentees, and a member of their coaching staff added a little needle to the build-up. Pulse Ghana reports that The Gambia's assistant coach suggested the players his side are missing are more important than the ones Ghana will be without.

Unfinished business from Bouaké

Ghana's frustration over the opening defeat has not fully faded. Queiroz questioned the penalty awarded against his side in Bouaké and asked publicly why VAR is not being used in African qualifiers, MyJoyOnline reported. Ivory Coast coach Hervé Renard declined to respond to those comments.

Whatever the debate over that decision, the table is what matters now. Ghana sit bottom of Group C without a point, while The Gambia already have three. A home defeat would leave the Black Stars six points behind their visitors after just two matches.

Why tonight matters

Ghana missed the last Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, and failing to reach a second successive tournament would be a serious blow for one of the continent's most decorated national teams. The 2027 finals will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Queiroz has also strengthened his backroom staff during this window, with former Black Stars midfielder Godwin Attram joining the technical team as an assistant coach, according to the Ghana Football Association.

With a depleted squad, a restless public and a confident opponent, this is the first real test of whether Queiroz's calm message is shared by his players. Three points in Accra would steady the campaign; anything less will turn up the pressure considerably.

Photo: Celestinesucess / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0