Carlos Queiroz's defensive approach not the best for Black Stars - George Afriyie

Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) vice-president George Afriyie has questioned the Black Stars' tactical approach at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, arguing that Carlos Queiroz’s cautious style did not reflect Ghana’s traditional attacking identity.

Queiroz guided Ghana into the knockout stage for the first time since 2010, with the Black Stars producing a disciplined defensive display that included a goalless draw against England.

However, Ghana’s campaign ended in the Round of 32 after a narrow 1-0 defeat by Colombia.

Speaking on Sporty FM, Afriyie said Queiroz’s reputation as a defensive-minded coach was evident during the tournament and questioned whether the GFA’s technical leadership should have appointed a coach whose philosophy better suited Ghanaian football.

“And exactly what they label the coach is what we witness at the World Cup. But you see, this is where a technical director comes in. If you are a Ghana Football Association technical director, who is well-versed with the style of Ghanaian football, a defensive-minded coach doesn't fit up here,” he said.

Afriyie also rejected suggestions that playing with one recognised striker necessarily means a team is adopting a defensive approach.

“Look, people will say that Milo came to play one-top. No, playing one-top doesn't necessarily mean that you are playing defensive,” he added.

The former GFA presidential candidate argued that Ghana could operate with a lone striker while still playing attacking football, particularly when the forward is supported by creative midfielders and attacking players.

He cited some of Ghana’s previous attacking combinations as examples.

“A certain Asamoah Gyan with Sule Muntari, Kwadwo Asamoah, or even Stephen is different. It's a more attacking approach,” Afriyie said.

According to him, an attacking philosophy has traditionally been central to Ghana’s football identity, making the conservative approach at the World Cup difficult to understand given the attacking talent available to the national team.

Afriyie also pointed to the composition of Ghana’s 26-man squad, arguing that the number of wingers and attacking players selected suggested the team had the personnel to play a more adventurous style.

“And that is what we are noted for. You went to the World Cup with a lot of wingers who like to express themselves,” he said.

“Look at the list of the 26-man squad. It shows that we even went with a minimum defensive-style kind of approach. But that's your coach,” he concluded.

Ghana scored just two goals in four matches at the World Cup, despite having several attacking options in the squad.

The Black Stars will now turn their attention to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, with the tournament set to be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

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