Accra: The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has begun the process of hiring a new head coach for the Black Stars. This move follows the decision of Carlos Queiroz, the veteran Portuguese coach, not to extend his contract after leading the team to the 2026 World Cup.
According to Ghana Web, Queiroz, who took over in April on a short-term deal, had replaced Otto Addo and was earning a monthly salary of $80,000. However, negotiations for an extension of his stay broke down after he demanded a significant salary increase to $150,000 per month. The GFA and other stakeholders were unable to meet this demand, leading them to search for a new coach.
In addition to his salary request, Queiroz had sought approval for additional foreign members to join his technical team, which was part of his strategy for the Black Stars' continuity. Due to these demands, the GFA is now exploring other options for a head coach.
Multiple media reports indicate that Desmond Ofei, the first-team assistant coach, is currently the frontrunner to be appointed as the head coach. If appointed, he would be the seventh coach under the administration of Kurt Okraku as GFA president.
With the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers on the horizon, the GFA faces mounting pressure to resolve the coaching situation promptly. The Black Stars are set to resume competitive play in September for the AFCON 2027 qualifications, having missed the previous tournament in Morocco. They have been placed in Group C with Ivory Coast, The Gambia, and Somalia.