Afriyie criticises Queiroz after Ghana's 1-0 2026 World Cup exit

George Afriyie has criticised Carlos Queiroz’s cautious approach after Ghana’s 1-0 defeat by Colombia ended their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. The Black Stars scored two goals in four matches, including a goalless draw with England.

Afriyie, a former Ghana Football Association vice-president, believes Queiroz’s defensive philosophy did not match Ghana’s traditional attacking identity. He said the coach’s reputation was reflected in the way the team played during the tournament.

Ghana reached the knockout stage for the first time since 2010, but their campaign ended in the Round of 32 against Colombia. Afriyie questioned whether the GFA’s technical leadership should have selected a coach whose tactical ideas were more closely aligned with Ghanaian football.

Speaking on Sporty FM, he also rejected the idea that using one recognised striker automatically makes a team defensive. In his view, Ghana could have played with a lone forward while maintaining an attacking approach through creative midfielders and supporting attackers.

Afriyie referred to past Ghana combinations involving Asamoah Gyan, Sulley Muntari, Kwadwo Asamoah and Stephen as examples of how a single-striker system could still produce an adventurous team. He argued that Ghana’s identity has traditionally been built around attacking football.

The former GFA presidential candidate also pointed to the squad selected for the tournament. Ghana took 26 players, including several wingers and other attacking options, which Afriyie said indicated that the team had the personnel to play with more freedom. The Black Stars will next prepare for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with the finals to be hosted jointly by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.