Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has expressed confidence in his team’s progress despite Ghana’s 1-1 draw with Wales, insisting there are many positives to take into the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ghana looked set for victory in Cardiff after taking a second-half lead through Caleb Yirenkyi before Lewis Koumas scored a late equaliser for Wales in stoppage time. Although the result extended Ghana’s winless run, Queiroz believes the performance showed encouraging signs.
The Portuguese trainer revealed that he has only had a limited amount of time to work with the squad, with the full team coming together just a day before the match.
“I’m very proud of my players. They gave everything to win the game,” Queiroz said after the friendly. “Some players were playing together for the first time. We must remember this was only the first full training session with the whole team together.”
According to the coach, the performance demonstrated that the players are beginning to understand his ideas and tactical approach.
Queiroz admitted there is still room for improvement, particularly in attack, where he wants players to make quicker decisions and show greater confidence when moving forward.
However, he believes more training sessions will help build chemistry within the squad.
“We know that when our players have to make decisions, they could do it faster, more efficiently, and with more confidence,” he explained.
The former Portugal coach also emphasised that Ghana’s main focus is now on the World Cup. He described the group stage as a “270-minute game” and said qualification for the knockout phase remains the team’s immediate objective.
“We have one major goal,” he said. “At the end of 270 minutes, we must be guaranteed qualification for the second round.”
With matches against Panama, England and Croatia awaiting the Black Stars, Queiroz believes Ghana is moving in the right direction.
He is confident that additional training sessions before the opening game will make the team stronger and more consistent.
The Black Stars will continue their preparations in the United States before opening their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17.
