Carlos Queiroz’s immediate task with the Black Stars is to lead Ghana back to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Ghana Football Association (GFA) Communications Director Henry Asante Twum has said.

The 73-year-old Portuguese coach signed a contract extension after guiding Ghana to the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup in North America.

Queiroz was initially handed a four-month contract following the dismissal of Otto Addo in March, with his mandate covering Ghana’s World Cup campaign.

With his contract now extended, Asante Twum said securing qualification for the 2027 AFCON is the coach’s immediate priority.

“We had discussions before we concluded extending Carlos Queiroz’s contract, but the task is to guide the Black Stars back to the AFCON next year,” Asante Twum told Asempa FM.

“We were not there last year, and we cannot afford to miss out this time around.”

Ghana have been drawn in Group C alongside Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia and Somalia.

The Black Stars will begin their qualifying campaign away to Côte d’Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on September 24.

They will then host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium three days later.

Ghana failed to qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, missing the tournament for the first time since 2004.

Queiroz will now be expected to secure Ghana’s qualification for the 2027 tournament as he continues his work with the Black Stars following their World Cup knockout-stage appearance.