Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has appealed to Ghanaian supporters to rally behind the players available for Tuesday’s crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against The Gambia instead of dwelling on the team’s notable absentees.
Ghana host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké in their opening Group C fixture.
With several key players unavailable due to injuries and other circumstances, the Portuguese tactician believes the focus must remain on the squad tasked with delivering a positive result.
“It’s better to stay home if you’re coming to the stadium to complain about players that are not here instead of supporting those that are here,” Queiroz told reporters during his pre-match press conference.
The Black Stars have been weakened by the absence of several influential players, including Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo and Nathaniel Adjei. Defender Alexander Djiku has also been ruled out after sustaining an injury during last Thursday’s defeat to Côte d’Ivoire.
Despite the setbacks, Queiroz insists the current squad deserves the full backing of the home crowd as Ghana attempts to revive its qualification campaign.
The former Portugal, Iran and Egypt coach has drafted in replacements and is expected to reshuffle his lineup for what will be his first competitive home game since returning for a second spell in charge of the Black Stars.
With Ghana yet to pick up a point in Group C, Tuesday’s encounter has become a must-win fixture for the four-time African champions, who are determined to avoid another setback after missing out on qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Queiroz believes the atmosphere at the Accra Sports Stadium could make a significant difference and has called on supporters to inspire the team rather than focus on those unavailable.
Victory over The Gambia would not only hand Ghana their first points of the campaign but also restore confidence ahead of the remaining qualifiers as the Black Stars seek a return to Africa’s biggest football tournament.
