Sports analyst Hans Mensah has described the appointment of Carlos Queiroz as Black Stars coach as a “damage control” strategy rather than a move driven by ambition ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Tuesday (14 April), Mensah argued that the Ghana Football Association appears to be prioritising limiting heavy defeats over competing meaningfully at the tournament.
“We’ve essentially moved from a team that could lose 4–0 to one that may lose 1–0,” he said. “This is about managing a potential disaster.”
Mensah noted that while Queiroz’s experience — including stints at Real Madrid and under Sir Alex Ferguson — could help organise the team defensively, the short preparation window makes any major tactical transformation unlikely.
He expressed concern that Ghana lacks cohesion and leadership within the current squad, describing it as a team that struggles to function collectively.
“The problem is not just individual quality, but how the players function as a unit. That has always been the issue,” he explained.
Mensah also criticised the GFA’s short-term approach, particularly the decision to offer a limited contract tied to the World Cup.
According to him, Ghana’s football authorities should focus on long-term rebuilding, especially with the Africa Cup of Nations drought now stretching over four decades.
“We are not going to do better than our best World Cup performance with this team. Everybody knows it,” he said. “The focus should be beyond the World Cup.”
He further questioned the push to recruit dual-nationality players close to the tournament, suggesting it undermines commitment from players who have consistently featured for the national team.
Mensah instead advocated for rewarding dedication and building continuity from youth levels, warning that Ghana risks “starting from scratch again” after the tournament if long-term planning is ignored.
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