Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has urged his players to focus on the immediate task as Ghana begins its 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Côte d’Ivoire.
Ghana will travel to Bouaké on Thursday for their opening Group C qualifier before hosting The Gambia in Accra on September 29.
Queiroz believes the Black Stars must take the qualification campaign one step at a time, insisting that winning the next game is the priority.
“There is always a new challenge. For me the most important trophy at this moment is the next game, to win the next game,” Queiroz said.
“You cannot be on the top roof of Accra without climbing the steps of the building and the steps for us now are to win the next game.”
Ghana missed out on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and will be determined to avoid another qualification setback as they begin their Group C campaign.
The Black Stars face a difficult opening assignment against Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké before returning home to take on The Gambia four days later.
Queiroz has also had to make several adjustments to his squad ahead of the opening fixture, with Mohammed Kudus and Nathaniel Adjei withdrawing through injury, while Thomas Partey was not invited due to his hamstring problems.
Several replacements have since been confirmed, including Alidu Seidu, Jonas Adjetey, Mohammed Fuseini and Brandon Thomas-Asante.
Despite the squad changes, Queiroz remains focused on the immediate challenge, with Ghana needing to navigate the Côte d’Ivoire test before turning their attention to The Gambia.
The Black Stars will be hoping to make a strong start and take their first steps towards securing qualification for the 2027 AFCON.
