Queiroz Sees Positives In Black Stars Draw With Wales Ahead Of World Cup

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz says he is encouraged by the Black Stars’ performance in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Wales, insisting the team showed promising signs despite conceding a late equaliser in Cardiff.

Ghana took the lead through Caleb Yirenkyi before Lewis Koumas struck in stoppage time to rescue a draw for the hosts.

Speaking after the match, Queiroz said he was pleased with the response of his players, especially considering the limited time he has had to work with the squad since taking charge ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“I am very proud of my players. They gave everything to win the game. We let it slip in the last minutes, but this is also time to learn,” he said.

The Portuguese coach highlighted the team’s organisation and commitment to his tactical plan as the biggest positives from the match.

“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,” Queiroz said.

He noted that several players were playing together for the first time and revealed that the entire squad had completed only one full training session before facing Wales due to travel and visa-related challenges.

“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,” he explained.

Queiroz believes the Black Stars can improve significantly once they spend more time together in training.

According to him, Ghana’s attacking play and decision-making in the final third will become more effective as players develop greater understanding and confidence.

“With more training, more effort and better chemistry, they will be more confident to make those decisions to go forward,” he said.

The former Portugal, Iran and Egypt coach also praised young midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi, who scored Ghana’s goal and impressed in midfield.

“He is a great player. He has a great future. With more experience, he can become one of the best players in the national team,” Queiroz said.

Looking ahead to the World Cup, the coach said his immediate focus remains qualification from the group stage rather than long-term ambitions.

“We have one major goal. At the end of 270 minutes, we must be guaranteed qualification for the second round. That is the main goal and the main priority,” he stated.

Queiroz added that Ghana will continue preparations in the United States, where the team is expected to play another friendly before opening its World Cup campaign against Panama later this month.

Although disappointed not to secure victory against Wales, Queiroz said the performance provided a solid foundation for the work ahead.

“We have a good starting point. With ten days of training next week, we will make a lot of progress. We will be much more consistent and efficient,” he said.