The deadline for applications for the vacant Black Stars head coach position expires today, Thursday, October 15, as the Fred Pappoe-led search committee intensifies efforts to identify a successor to Carlos Queiroz.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA), in consultation with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, extended the application deadline to attract a wider pool of qualified candidates and allow for a comprehensive assessment of applicants.
The committee is expected to spend October and November evaluating applications, conducting interviews and shortlisting candidates before submitting its final recommendation.
Chaired by former GFA vice-president Fred Pappoe, the committee comprises former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah, legal practitioner Agbesi Dzakpasu and high-performance specialist Faisal Chibsah.
The recruitment process follows Queiroz’s departure on October 1 after Ghana lost their opening two matches in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The Black Stars suffered a 2-0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire before losing 4-2 at home to The Gambia.
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The results left the four-time African champions without a point in Group C after two matches, increasing pressure on the GFA to appoint a coach capable of restoring confidence and reviving the team’s qualification campaign.
Despite the urgency surrounding the appointment, the association has maintained that the recruitment process should not be rushed at the expense of finding a suitable candidate.
In a statement announcing the extension of the deadline, the GFA said applicants would be assessed on their technical competence, leadership qualities, cultural suitability and ability to establish high-performance standards within the national team.
Meanwhile, the GFA has confirmed that an interim technical team will oversee the Black Stars during the November international window to ensure preparations for the upcoming fixtures continue while the search for a permanent head coach remains ongoing.
Ghana are scheduled to face Somalia in a double-header in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers in November, with the matches presenting an opportunity to revive their campaign following the disappointing start.
The appointment of a substantive head coach is expected to be a key priority for the GFA as it seeks to restore stability and improve the Black Stars’ prospects in the qualifiers.
