{"id":1923694438,"date":"2026-10-01T07:20:04","date_gmt":"2026-10-01T07:20:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/?p=1923694438"},"modified":"2026-10-01T07:28:18","modified_gmt":"2026-10-01T07:28:18","slug":"kurt-okraku-and-carlos-queiroz-face-resignation-calls-as-black-stars-crisis-deepens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/kurt-okraku-and-carlos-queiroz-face-resignation-calls-as-black-stars-crisis-deepens\/","title":{"rendered":"Kurt Okraku and Carlos Queiroz Face Resignation Calls as Black Stars Crisis Deepens"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pressure is mounting on Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku and Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz following Ghana\u2019s disastrous start to the<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cafonline.com\/caf-africa-cup-of-nations\/\"> 2027 Africa Cup of Nations<\/a><\/strong> qualification campaign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Supporters, football administrators, analysts and politicians have questioned the direction of Ghana football after the Black Stars lost their opening two Group C matches against C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire and The Gambia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The latest setback\u2014a humiliating 4-2 defeat to The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium\u2014has intensified demands for accountability at both the technical and administrative levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Queiroz has accepted responsibility for the result but insists that his resignation alone would not solve the deeper problems affecting Ghana football.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Black Stars Collapse Against The Gambia<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ghana entered the home qualifier against The Gambia needing a response after losing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/black-stars-suffer-losing-start-in-afcon-qualifiers\/\">2-0 to C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire<\/a> in Bouak\u00e9.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Black Stars appeared to be heading towards an important victory when Ernest Nuamah converted a penalty before Felix Afena-Gyan doubled the lead six minutes later. However, The Gambia recovered to level the match before half-time and scored twice more after the break to complete a remarkable <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/black-stars-collapse-from-two-goals-ahead-in-afcon-2027-qualifier\/\">4-2 comeback.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"495\" height=\"619\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-3.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1923694446\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-3.png 495w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-3-150x187.png 150w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-3-300x375.png 300w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-3-240x300.png 240w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-3-319x399.png 319w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 495px) 100vw, 495px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The defeat left Ghana bottom of Group C without a point after two matches. The Gambia, meanwhile, moved to six points from their opening two fixtures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For many Ghanaian supporters, the most alarming aspect of the result was not simply the defeat. It was the manner in which the Black Stars lost control after establishing a commanding 2-0 lead at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Defensive errors, poor game management, vulnerability during transitions and an inability to respond after conceding have all come under scrutiny.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Calls Grow for Kurt Okraku to Resign<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"624\" height=\"847\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1923694441\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image.png 624w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-221x300.png 221w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-150x203.png 150w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-294x399.png 294w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 624px) 100vw, 624px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kurt Okraku\u2019s leadership of the GFA has again become the focus of public criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Former National Sports Authority Board Chairman Seth Panwum called on the GFA president to resign, arguing that new leadership could give Ghana football an opportunity to begin a comprehensive process of rebuilding, reform and restoration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">King Faisal owner Alhaji Karim Grusah has also demanded the resignation of Okraku and the Black Stars Management Committee following the consecutive qualifying defeats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The criticism comes against the background of Ghana\u2019s failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON. The Black Stars finished bottom of their group without recording a victory, missing the continental tournament for the first time in more than two decades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The poor start to another AFCON qualification campaign has therefore created fears that Ghana could miss consecutive editions of the competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Parliament Demands Answers From the GFA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The situation has also attracted the attention of Parliament.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-4-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1923694448\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-4-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-4-300x200-1.png 300w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-4-150x100.png 150w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-4-324x216.png 324w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-4-696x464.png 696w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-4-1068x712.png 1068w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-4.png 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Vincent Ekow Assafuah, Ranking Member of Parliament\u2019s Select Committee on Sports, strongly criticised the current administration following the defeat to The Gambia. He argued that officials who believe they have failed in their public responsibilities should consider stepping aside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Assafuah also said the committee would continue asking questions about the administration and direction of Ghana football.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Chairman of Parliament\u2019s Select Committee on Sports, Ernest Henry Norgbey, has indicated that the committee intends to invite the GFA and the Minister for Sports and Recreation to explain the Black Stars\u2019 recent struggles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Any parliamentary engagement should examine more than the results of two matches. It should address technical planning, expenditure, player welfare, national-team appointments, youth development and the long-term strategy for Ghana football.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Carlos Queiroz Rejects Calls to Step Down<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"795\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-1-1024x795.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1923694442\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-1-1024x795.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-1-300x233.png 300w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-1-149x116.png 149w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-1-768x596.png 768w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-1-193x150.png 193w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-1-299x232.png 299w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-1-323x251.png 323w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-1-463x359.png 463w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-1-1536x1193.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-1-1068x829.png 1068w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-1-1919x1490.png 1919w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-1.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Queiroz apologised to supporters and accepted responsibility for the defeat, asking critics to direct their anger towards him instead of the players.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, the Portuguese coach rejected the suggestion that resigning would automatically improve the national team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIf you believe that with the coach resigning, you can change the situation of football in Ghana, I\u2019ll be the first one to resign. I don\u2019t have that belief,\u201d Queiroz said, adding that his future must ultimately be assessed by the GFA leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Queiroz also pointed to Ghana\u2019s injury problems, claiming that as many as 24 players from the senior national-team pool were unavailable. Nevertheless, his record remains a major source of concern. The Black Stars have reportedly recorded only one victory in seven matches under his management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Injuries can affect preparation and team selection, but they do not fully explain Ghana\u2019s failure to protect a two-goal lead at home. The coaching staff must take responsibility for the team\u2019s organisation, substitutions, defensive structure and response to pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can Ghana Still Qualify for AFCON 2027?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Black Stars\u2019 position is extremely difficult, but qualification is not yet mathematically impossible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Two teams will qualify from each four-team group, and Ghana still have four matches remaining. The next qualifying window is scheduled for November 9\u201317, 2026, before the final two matchdays in March 2027.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ghana must now target maximum points against Somalia while also producing positive results in the return matches against The Gambia and C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is little room for further mistakes. Another defeat\u2014particularly against Somalia\u2014could leave qualification beyond Ghana\u2019s control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What the GFA and Black Stars Must Do to Improve<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"410\" height=\"487\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1923694443\" style=\"width:508px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-2.png 410w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-2-150x178.png 150w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-2-253x300.png 253w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-2-300x356.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 410px) 100vw, 410px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conduct an immediate technical review<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The GFA should commission a transparent review of the defeats to C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire and The Gambia. It must examine preparation, player selection, tactics, substitutions, fitness levels and communication between the coaching staff and management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The review should establish measurable performance targets for Queiroz ahead of the November qualifiers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Improve defensive organisation and game management<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A team leading 2-0 at home must know how to control the match. Ghana need a more compact midfield, better protection against counter-attacks and clearer leadership when momentum begins to change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Black Stars must also improve their defensive concentration, particularly immediately after scoring or conceding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Build a stable national-team core<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Constant squad changes make it difficult to develop partnerships and tactical understanding. The technical team should identify a reliable core while maintaining genuine competition for places.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Selection must be based on form, fitness and suitability for the system\u2014not reputation or external influence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Strengthen medical and player-monitoring systems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The number of reported injuries raises questions about player monitoring and communication between the national team and clubs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The GFA should establish a central performance and medical database covering player fitness, workload, injuries and recovery. This would help the technical team prepare alternatives before international windows begin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Develop a clear pathway for local talent<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ghana cannot depend entirely on late recruitment or overseas-based players. The GFA must connect the Black Stars more effectively with the Black Galaxies, under-23 team, youth national teams and domestic league.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Promising local players should receive structured opportunities to train with the senior team and learn the national side\u2019s tactical principles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Improve transparency and accountability<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"584\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-5.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1923694450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-5.png 800w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-5-149x109.png 149w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-5-300x219-1.png 300w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-5-205x150.png 205w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-5-767x560.png 767w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-5-323x236.png 323w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The GFA should publish a clear recovery plan detailing its objectives for qualification, youth development, coaching, scouting and national-team administration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Supporters deserve regular communication about decisions affecting the Black Stars. Transparency will not immediately change results, but it can begin restoring public trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Resignation Alone Will Not Repair Ghana Football<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The demands for Kurt Okraku and Carlos Queiroz to resign reflect genuine frustration among Ghanaian football supporters. Consecutive qualifying defeats, another damaging home collapse and the memory of missing the previous AFCON have made public anger understandable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, changing the GFA president or head coach without addressing the structural weaknesses behind the Black Stars\u2019 decline would offer only a temporary response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The immediate priority is to decide whether the current leadership still has a credible plan. If Okraku and Queiroz remain in their positions, they must present clear targets, accept proper scrutiny and deliver an urgent turnaround in November.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ghana still possess enough talent to recover, but reputation will not win qualification matches. The Black Stars need stronger leadership, better organisation and a system capable of turning individual quality into consistent results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Follow Bangbet Ghana for the latest Black Stars news, AFCON match previews and football betting markets. Bet responsibly\u2014football predictions and odds do not guarantee a winning outcome. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/bangbet.com\">Bangbet <\/a>More Than Win!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Pressure is mounting on Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku and Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz following Ghana\u2019s disastrous start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign. Supporters, football administrators, analysts and politicians have questioned the direction of Ghana football after the Black Stars lost their opening two Group C matches against [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1923694444,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2143,35,34,2123],"tags":[3791,3790,3792,3793,3789],"class_list":["post-1923694438","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-football","category-football-news","category-football-odds","category-sports","tag-black-stars-crisis","tag-carlos-queiroz-resignation","tag-ghana-afcon-2027-qualifiers","tag-ghana-football-association","tag-kurt-okraku-resignation"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1923694438","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1923694438"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1923694438\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1923694451,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1923694438\/revisions\/1923694451"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1923694444"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1923694438"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1923694438"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1923694438"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}