Sports News of 2026-09-03
Carlos Queiroz faces calls for more attacking football in new Black Stars era
Carlos Queiroz begins his new Black Stars mandate with expectations to produce a more attacking and entertaining style of football after Ghana’s cautious approach at the 2026 FIFA World Cup drew criticism.
The Portuguese coach successfully guided Ghana to the knockout stage for the first time since 2010, but the team’s attacking output remained a major talking point throughout the tournament.
The Black Stars scored just two goals in four matches and were eliminated in the Round of 32 after a 1-0 defeat to Colombia.
Queiroz’s preference for a more defensive approach has since raised questions about whether his football philosophy is suited to Ghana, particularly given the attacking players available to the national team.
Former GFA vice-president George Afriyie was among those to question the tactical approach, arguing that Ghana’s traditional style should allow its attacking players greater freedom.
“And exactly what they label the coach is what we witness at the World Cup. But you see, this is where a technical director comes in. If you are a Ghana Football Association technical director, who is well-versed with the style of Ghanaian football, a defensive-minded coach doesn't fit up here,” Afriyie said on Sporty FM.
He also rejected the idea that playing with one striker automatically makes a team defensive.
“Playing one-top doesn't necessarily mean that you are playing defensive,” he said.
Afriyie believes Ghana’s attacking identity was better represented by previous generations, citing combinations involving Asamoah Gyan, Sulley Muntari, Kwadwo Asamoah and Stephen Appiah.
“A certain Asamoah Gyan with Sule Muntari, Kwadwo Asamoah, or even Stephen is different. It's a more attacking approach,” he added.
The criticism comes as Queiroz prepares to lead Ghana into a new phase following his reappointment by the GFA.
The Black Stars have a fresh opportunity to build momentum in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, having missed the previous edition of the tournament.
Ghana will open their campaign against Cote d’Ivoire on September 24 before hosting The Gambia three days later.
For Queiroz, the challenge will be to maintain the defensive discipline that helped Ghana reach the World Cup knockout stage while producing more attacking threat from a team expected to play with greater freedom.
With a new mandate comes a new set of expectations, and many supporters will be looking for a Black Stars side that not only gets results but also reflects Ghana’s long-standing attacking identity.
