Queiroz Confident Black Stars Can Overcome Challenges Against Gambia

Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has admitted that Ghana is dealing with “a couple of challenges” ahead of Tuesday’s AFCON qualifier against The Gambia, but insists the national team itself should not be viewed as a problem.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, September 28, 2026, Queiroz said the technical team was focused on finding solutions to the issues facing the squad while ensuring the players were fully prepared for the crucial encounter.

“Black Stars are facing a couple of challenges, a couple of problems, but Black Stars is not a problem,” Queiroz said.

The Portuguese coach stressed that overcoming difficulties was part of the responsibility of professionals and said his role was to address the challenges confronting the team.

“Like everything in life, everything in life, in the hospitals, in the workshops, in the army, in the industry, in business, we face challenges, we face problems, and our duty as professionals is to solve the problems,” he said.

Queiroz also sought to separate the current challenges from concerns about the identity or future of the Black Stars.

“So my final statement is yes, we are facing some challenges. That’s the challenge that we have in front of us for Black Stars. That’s why we are Black Stars, but Black Stars was never a problem. Black Stars is not a problem, and Black Stars will never be a problem in the future,” he added.

The coach said the team had taken lessons from its previous game in Ivory Coast and had worked on improving its attacking performance, particularly when it comes to converting chances.

“We always win or learn, and we learn something in that game,” he said.

According to Queiroz, the technical team has placed particular emphasis on improving the team’s execution in key finishing moments, with the aim of making the Black Stars more accurate and effective in attack.

He said the squad was highly motivated ahead of the clash with The Gambia and appealed to Ghanaian supporters and the local media to back the team as it works through its challenges.

“My message to the fans is a message of confidence,” Queiroz said, urging supporters to continue showing trust and support.

Queiroz further confirmed that 22 players were fit and available for the match, with Ronald the only player whose availability remained uncertain ahead of the team’s final training session.