Carlos Queiroz Highlights Positives in Ghana's Draw Against Wales

New Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance despite seeing Ghana surrender a late lead in a 1-1 draw against Wales in his first game in charge.

The Portuguese tactician, who recently took over the national team, watched substitute Caleb Yirenkyi put Ghana ahead before the hosts found a late equaliser, extending the Black Stars’ winless run across all competitions.

Although disappointed not to begin his tenure with a victory, Queiroz believes the match provided several encouraging signs ahead of Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Addressing journalists after the game, the former international coach praised the commitment shown by his players and highlighted the limited time the squad had spent together before facing Wales.

“First of all, I think it was a very exciting and very good match. This was Wales’ goal, to bring this game as part of their 150-year celebration. I think the fans must be happy with the football they saw. Both teams tried to win. Very active.”

He added: “I’m very proud of my players. They gave everything to win the game. We let it slip in the last minutes. It was in our pocket. But this is also time to learn. We don’t learn from the draw itself, but we learn that when we are winning 1-0, there is no way we can let it slip from our pocket.”

Queiroz noted that the result came after only one full training session involving the entire squad, making the overall display even more encouraging from his perspective.

“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.”

The coach said one of the key areas requiring improvement before the World Cup is the team’s decision-making in attacking situations. According to him, Ghana’s players showed promising movement but occasionally hesitated when opportunities arose to advance play quickly.

“We know that when our players have to make decisions, they could do it faster, more efficiently, and with more confidence, especially when we go forward and have opportunities to attack.”

He believes additional training sessions and stronger chemistry within the squad will help address those shortcomings.

Despite questions about his long-term future with the national team, including whether he would remain in charge beyond the World Cup and pursue success at the Africa Cup of Nations, Queiroz insisted his focus remains firmly on the immediate challenge ahead.

“Let’s leave the future in God’s hands. The most important thing for us now is to focus on the World Cup.”

The coach outlined a clear objective for Ghana’s group-stage campaign.

“We have to play one game with three parts of 90 minutes. Every part is 90 minutes, 90, 90, 90. At the end of 270 minutes, we must be guaranteed qualification for the second round. That is the main goal and the main priority.”

One of the standout performers on the night was goalscorer Caleb Yirenkyi, whose display earned praise from the Ghana coach.

“He is a great player. He has a great future. He is still young and has a lot to learn. At this level, everything is so fast.”

Queiroz expressed confidence that the midfielder can become a key figure for the national team as he gains experience.

The Black Stars boss also revealed that logistical challenges affected preparations for the match, with several players only arriving shortly before kickoff due to visa-related delays.

“They only arrived from London yesterday after sorting out visa issues. We’ve been training with nine to eleven players, and only yesterday did we have one full training session.”

Among the aspects that pleased him most was the squad’s willingness to follow tactical instructions.

“To be straightforward: what pleased me most was the way the players responded to my instructions and the game plan. They were excellent. They followed, respected, and trusted the plan.”

He specifically highlighted the performances of his central defenders and suggested the team has established a strong foundation to build upon.

“So, we have a good starting point. Two or three training sessions were decisive. With ten days of training next week, we will make a lot of progress. We will be much more consistent and efficient.”

Discussing his football philosophy, Queiroz downplayed the significance of possession statistics, insisting that results remain the ultimate measure of success.

“That’s the name of the game, my friend. I’ve seen many great teams, from Bayern Munich to others, win with 70% possession. But 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 added: “This is a winning business. That’s it. They call it football, but at the end of the day, it’s a winning business. The way we win, I don’t care. I just want to win.”

Queiroz also stressed that delivering victories is the surest way to satisfy supporters.

“We play to make them happy. If we don’t win, they’re not happy.”

The coach was also asked about the reaction directed at midfielder Thomas Partey during the match. Responding to the issue, Queiroz criticised what he described as a growing tendency to pass judgment before legal processes have been completed.

“I’m not surprised. We live in a weird world.”

“Nobody should be judged or condemned before a court makes a decision. The presumption of innocence must apply to everyone.”

Looking ahead, the Portuguese manager confirmed that Ghana will continue preparations in the United States, where the team plans to maximise training opportunities before its opening World Cup fixture against Panama.

“One brain is better than zero, two better than one, three better than two. As soon as we land in the United States, we want to do as much work as possible before the game against Panama.”

He also disclosed that the Black Stars are expected to play another friendly match before beginning their World Cup campaign.

“Yes, we will play one more game in the United States before we face Panama.”

Queiroz further emphasised the importance of building strong relationships within the squad, describing trust and communication as essential elements of his approach.

“I need to be close to them; they need to be close to me. We need straightforward cooperation — open mind, open heart, to improve and progress.”

Reflecting on the match itself, the coach praised Wales for their intensity and organisation but believed Ghana executed much of its game plan successfully.

“They fight a lot. They are a very good team, very fit, and they move a lot.”

He felt his side managed the contest well for long periods and suggested better game management could have secured victory.

“If we go 2-0 up, the target is to manage the game.”

The late equaliser means Ghana’s search for a first victory in eight matches will continue, but Queiroz remains optimistic that the lessons learned in Wales will help the team improve ahead of more important challenges.

“You’re right, we did not win. We know that. We are the first ones unhappy because our wish was to start this journey with a win.”

“But it’s also a challenge. To win, you have to score at least one goal. Today it didn’t happen. We have to admit it, accept it, and make it better.”