Black Stars goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi has thrown his weight behind the retention of head coach Carlos Queiroz, describing the Portuguese trainer as a positive influence on the national team’s camp ahead of Ghana’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification campaign.
Queiroz, 73, took charge of the Black Stars in April on a short-term contract after the Ghana Football Association parted ways with Otto Addo and guided the team through the 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
Although Ghana’s World Cup journey ended at the Round of 32 stage, Ati-Zigi believes the former Real Madrid coach brought renewed confidence and stability to the squad and could help the team achieve greater success if given the opportunity to continue.
The St. Gallen goalkeeper said he was not aware of the details surrounding Queiroz’s contract but backed the idea of extending the coach’s stay.
“I don’t know about his contract situation, but I feel he is a great coach, and I love how he brought about the positivity in camp. But if the leadership wants him to stay, it will be a good decision,” Ati-Zigi told Sporty FM.
The goalkeeper, who featured in two matches during Queiroz’s tenure at the World Cup, believes the current Black Stars squad has the ability and determination to secure qualification for the next continental tournament.
Ghana missed out on the 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco, but Ati-Zigi remains confident that the team can bounce back and compete among Africa’s best once again.
“If you look at the players we have, I think we have what it takes to qualify for the AFCON next year. These are young and hungry players,” he said.
He added that the team could make a significant impact at the tournament if they maintain unity and build on the progress made.
“I believe we can make a statement with what we have as a group in the AFCON next year,” he added.
The Black Stars have been drawn in Group C of the AFCON qualifiers alongside Ivory Coast, Somalia and Rwanda, with qualification expected to be a major priority following their recent setbacks.
Ghana’s attention now shifts to the qualifiers, which begin in September, as the team seeks a return to Africa’s biggest football competition.
The Black Stars’ World Cup campaign saw them record a 1-0 victory over Panama and secure a goalless draw against England before losing 2-1 to Croatia in their final group match. They later exited the competition after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia in the Round of 32.
