Sports
Carlos Queiroz: AFCON qualification is absolute priority, but eyes on 2030 World Cup
Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz says his immediate focus is securing qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations, while laying the foundation for a bigger dream building a Ghana side capable of honouring the nation’s legacy at the 2030 World Cup.
Speaking to the Ghana Football Association’s official website ahead of the AFCON qualifiers, the Portuguese tactician described the current moment as the start of a new cycle for the national team.
“Hands on the present, eyes on the future. The priority is very clear: absolute focus on AFCON qualification, with our eyes set on the 2030 World Cup,” Queiroz said.
“We have an immediate objective that demands our full concentration, but we also have a greater destination ahead of us. This is the moment to start building the team for 2030.”
The experienced coach, however, cautioned against premature title talk, insisting Ghana must first earn its place at the tournament.
“We must have ambition, but also humility. We know our recent history and we cannot talk about winning AFCON when we have not yet qualified. We have to work, grow, compete and earn our destiny,” he noted.
Queiroz was candid about where Ghana stands compared to Africa’s top sides, admitting that many of the continent’s leading teams have established squads with players featuring regularly in the UEFA Champions League.
“That is the competitive reality we must recognise and the level we must pursue,” he said.
Reflecting on the recent World Cup campaign, Queiroz said the experience was crucial for understanding the character and quality within the squad, adding that he is proud to lead “a fantastic group and a fantastic national-team culture.”
On squad selection, he explained that competitive form and physical readiness remain non-negotiable.
“There is always one general principle that we consider fundamental: players should be in competitive action, physically prepared and fully ready to play for the national team,” Queiroz stressed.
He concluded with a message of hard work and humility, urging the team to outwork the best on the continent if Ghana is to achieve its ambitions.
“Every squad selection, every training session and every match must contribute to building a better team. If we want to compete with the best, it is not enough to work as hard as they do. We have to work even harder and better,” he concluded.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Asante Kotoko SC has announced with deep sadness the passing of its former Brands and Marketing Manager, Kweku Hammond.
In a statement released by the club, Kotoko described Hammond’s death as untimely and expressed heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones.
“Although his time with the club was brief, Kweku served with dedication, diligence, and unwavering commitment to Asante Kotoko,” the club stated. “His contributions and loyalty to the club will not be forgotten.”
Kweku Hammond served in the club’s Brands and Marketing department, where he played a role in promoting the Porcupine Warriors’ brand and engaging supporters.
The club assured that it will continue to honour his memory and legacy.
“May his soul rest in perfect peace,” the statement concluded.
Fans and members of the football fraternity have since joined the club in mourning, sharing tributes to Hammond for his professionalism and commitment during his time at club.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Captain of Ghana’s National U-15 Boys team, Abdul Aziz Issa, says the exposure gained at the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival 2026 in Azerbaijan will be vital for the development of the squad.
Ghana finished 7th out of 189 countries after an impressive campaign, winning eight of ten matches.
“I think we played well, the exposure was good for our development, and we can’t thank FIFA and the GFA enough for this amazing platform,” Issa said.
“I’m so very happy to be part of this FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival 2026 in Azerbaijan. I want to thank my colleagues for how far we have brought Ghana in this tournament.”
The captain believes the experience will prepare the group for future challenges at U-17 and U-20 level.
Ghana enjoyed an outstanding tournament, scoring 44 goals and establishing themselves among the top seven teams.
Their dominant group stage saw them score 27 goals while conceding just three. Salifu Fatawu’s side opened with a commanding 4-1 win over Uzbekistan, thrashed Myanmar 7-1, recorded emphatic 7-0 wins over Guam and the Bahamas, before rounding off the group with a 2-1 triumph over Kazakhstan.
Their pursuit of a higher finish suffered a setback in the knockout phase after elimination by Paraguay in a dramatic encounter.
The team bounced back to finish 7th, including a commanding 4-0 victory over Colombia in their final game, despite suffering a 7-1 defeat to Brazil in the Tier A Ranking Play-Offs.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
