Ghana Football Association (GFA) assistant coach Desmond Ofei has emerged as a strong contender to take charge of the senior national team, the Black Stars, ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, according to reports.
Although no official appointment has been announced, Ofei is reportedly among the leading candidates being considered by the GFA to guide Ghana through the upcoming qualifying campaign.
The former Ghana U-20 head coach has gained recognition for his work within the national team setup and is viewed by some officials as a potential internal solution at a time when the Black Stars are seeking stability.
The coaching situation follows the breakdown of negotiations between the GFA and Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz. Reports indicate that discussions over a possible contract extension failed after disagreements over salary demands, with Queiroz said to have requested a monthly package of around $150,000.
With Queiroz’s future unresolved, attention has shifted to possible replacements, with Ofei’s name featuring prominently. However, sources suggest that members of the GFA Executive Council remain divided over whether he has the required experience to lead the senior national team at this stage.
Ghana’s AFCON 2027 qualifying journey is scheduled to begin in September, with the Black Stars drawn in Group C alongside Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia and Somalia.
The limited time before the qualifiers begin has increased pressure on the GFA to make a quick decision and provide clarity on the technical direction of the team.
A final decision on the appointment of the next Black Stars coach is expected to be communicated after further consultations by the football governing body.
