Ghanaian football fans witnessed the beginning of a new chapter under coach Carlos Queiroz as the Black Stars drew 1-1 with Wales in a friendly match on Tuesday evening. The game, part of Wales’ 150th-anniversary celebrations, saw a late equalizer deny Ghana a victory in what was Queiroz’s debut, extending their winless streak but offering glimpses of potential ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Queiroz Assesses Debut Performance
Speaking post-match, a proud Carlos Queiroz described the game as “very exciting and very good,” acknowledging the competitive spirit displayed by both teams. He expressed pride in his players, stating they “gave everything to win the game” but lamented conceding a late goal. “We let it slip in the last minutes. It was in our pocket. But this is also time to learn,” Queiroz commented, highlighting the need for greater maturity when holding a lead.
Queiroz noted that many players were featuring together for the first time, and the team had only managed one full training session prior to the match due to visa issues for players arriving from London. “We must remember this was only the first full training session with the whole team together,” he emphasized, looking ahead to further preparation.
Positives and Areas for Improvement
Despite the draw, Queiroz identified positives, particularly the players’ willingness to follow instructions and the game plan. “What pleased me most was the way the players responded to my instructions and the game plan. They were excellent,” he stated. He also praised the cooperation between the center-backs as a “good starting point.”
However, he also pointed out areas needing refinement, such as decision-making speed and confidence in attacking transitions. “We know that when our players have to make decisions, they could do it faster, more efficiently, and with more confidence,” Queiroz observed. He believes increased training and chemistry will build this confidence.
Strategic Philosophy: Winning is Everything
Queiroz reiterated his pragmatic approach to the game, prioritizing results over possession. “The game is not about possession. The game is about the skill to put the ball in the net, defend your goal, and win the game,” he asserted. He made it clear that he would be content with a defensive strategy if it secured a victory. “If we have 80% possession and lose, I don’t care. I go mad if we attack 80% and lose,” he explained, underscoring that for him and the nation, winning is the ultimate goal.
He also addressed the fans’ importance, stating, “We play to make them happy. If we don’t win, they’re not happy.” He believes that results, not just attractive play, bring joy to supporters and national pride.
Addressing Player and Fan Concerns
The coach touched upon the booing of midfielder Thomas Partey, expressing disappointment with the modern media landscape. “I’m not surprised. We live in a weird world,” he remarked, criticizing the culture of impunity where individuals can be judged without due process. “Nobody should be judged or condemned before a court makes a decision,” Queiroz insisted.
Regarding Caleb Yirenkyi, who scored Ghana’s goal, Queiroz sees significant potential. “He is a great player. He has a great future. He is still young and has a lot to learn,” he said, highlighting the need for experience at the top level.
World Cup Ambitions and Future Plans
Queiroz’s primary focus is the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. “The most important thing for us now is to focus on the World Cup. We have one major goal. We have to play one game with three parts of 90 minutes… to be guaranteed qualification for the second round,” he outlined. He views the initial group stage as a “270-minute game” to achieve this objective.
The team is scheduled to play another friendly in the United States before facing Panama. Queiroz aims to maximize this time for tactical refinement and building team cohesion. “It’s not time for big changes. It’s time to fine-tune what we’ve been doing well, to make them better,” he concluded.
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