Ghana’s proposed friendly against Morocco after withdrawing from the fixture scheduled for 4 October in Tangier.The Black Stars were due to face the Atlas Lions during the October international window as part of their preparations for upcoming competitions.However, following Ghana’s 2-0 defeat by Ivory Coast in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) informed the Royal Moroccan Football Federation of its decision to withdraw from the match.The decision came before Ghana’s second Group C qualifier against The Gambia, which they subsequently lost 4-2 at the Accra Sports Stadium.Morocco disappointed by Ghana withdrawalGhana’s decision reportedly disappointed the Moroccan Football Federation, which had already announced the fixture and put tickets on sale.Morocco had been looking to use the game as an opportunity to test their squad ahead of their upcoming assignments.Following Ghana’s withdrawal, Morocco have arranged a friendly against Mali on 4 October instead.Why Ghana pulled outThe GFA explained that the Black Stars’ technical team was unable to put together the squad it wanted for the Morocco game after several key players withdrew from the October camp.Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo, Baba Rahman, Alidu Seidu, Mohammed Kudus and Nathaniel Adjei were among those unavailable.The GFA also informed the Moroccan federation that it owed the players winning bonuses and did not want to add further financial commitments at a time when the team was dealing with several player absences.The decision means Ghana will play only two matches during the current international window, despite initially having the opportunity to play four games.The GFA had also previously expressed reservations about honouring a proposed friendly against Tanzania this month.GFA and Queiroz part waysThe development comes on the same day the GFA confirmed that it had mutually parted ways with Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz.The Portuguese coach was appointed earlier this year to lead Ghana through preparations for the 2026 World Cup and the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.In a statement, the GFA said the decision was taken in the “best interests of Ghana, the Black Stars and Ghanaian football”.The association thanked Queiroz and his technical staff for their commitment and said it would announce the next steps regarding the leadership of the national team in due course.Queiroz also confirmed the termination of his contract, saying both parties agreed that ending their professional relationship was the appropriate decision under the circumstances.The former Real Madrid and Portugal coach said the “necessary conditions were not fully established” and that the team’s recent performances had contributed to the decision.He also urged Ghanaians to continue supporting the Black Stars players.”Believe in these players. Protect them. Support them,” Queiroz said.”The talent and potential are there. With unity, support and the right environment, this generation can achieve great things for Ghana.”Queiroz leaves after seven matches in charge, recording one win, two draws and four defeats.Ghana bottom of AFCON qualifying groupGhana’s latest defeat to The Gambia leaves them bottom of Group C of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers without a point from their opening two matches.The Black Stars lost 2-0 to Ivory Coast before surrendering a two-goal lead to suffer a 4-2 defeat against The Gambia in Accra.Ghana will return to action in November when they face Somalia in a double-header at the Accra Sports Stadium.



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