GFA extends Black Stars coaching application closing date

According to report by Onuaonline on Sunday 11, October 2026, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has extended its search for a new head coach for the senior national team, the Black Stars, to allow for a broader and more comprehensive assessment of potential candidates.

The decision was announced in a statement issued on Sunday, October 11, 2026, following consultations with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation and the Black Stars Coach Search Committee.

According to the GFA, the committee recommended an enhanced and more structured recruitment process after its initial engagements and preliminary evaluation of prospective candidates. The Association explained that the appointment of a new head coach is an important opportunity to strengthen Ghana’s football identity, improve performance standards and establish a clear technical direction for the national team.

The GFA stressed that its objective is to identify a candidate whose technical knowledge, leadership qualities, cultural understanding and long-term vision align with the ambitions of Ghanaian football.

As part of the extended process, the Search Committee will continue evaluating, interviewing and shortlisting candidates throughout October and November 2026. The committee will also undertake comprehensive background checks and due diligence while consulting key football stakeholders and technical experts.

The Association said candidates would be assessed against agreed criteria, including technical competence, leadership, cultural understanding and the ability to operate within high-performance football environments. It added that the process would be guided by professionalism, transparency and merit.

Meanwhile, the GFA has announced plans to appoint an Interim Technical Team to manage the Black Stars during the November international window. The temporary team will oversee preparations for the national team’s scheduled matches, monitor players, maintain continuity in the team’s programme and support engagement activities.

The interim arrangement is also expected to facilitate a smooth transition when a permanent head coach is eventually appointed. According to the GFA, the decision will allow the committee sufficient time to complete its recruitment exercise without compromising the Black Stars’ immediate competitive responsibilities.

The head coaching position became vacant on Thursday, October 1, 2026, following the resignation of Portuguese trainer Carlos Queiroz after the September international window.

The five-member Search Committee is chaired by former GFA Vice-President Fred Pappoe. Its other members are Anthony Baffoe, General Secretary of the Professional Footballers Association of Ghana; football administrator and legal practitioner Agbesi Dzakpasu; former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah; and high-performance specialist Faisal Chibsah.

The committee is expected to submit its final recommendation after completing the assessment of the available candidates.

The extended search comes at a crucial period for the Black Stars, with expectations high for improved performances and greater consistency in international competitions. The eventual appointment will be expected to provide the team with a clear playing philosophy, effective leadership and a sustainable plan for future success.

The GFA has reiterated its commitment to selecting a coach who can meet the national team’s immediate needs while helping to shape the long-term development and competitiveness of Ghanaian football.

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