By Kwame Bediako
Desmond Ofei is now seen as a leading internal option to become Black Stars head coach if Carlos Queiroz is not retained after his short-term deal expires in August. The GFA is reportedly hesitant to extend Queiroz’s contract due to his demands, even though he guided Ghana to the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup.
Why Ofei fits
Ofei already knows the squad well as Queiroz’s assistant and previously served under Otto Addo in the same role. He has also coached the Black Satellites (U-20) and Black Meteors (U-23), and even took charge of the senior team for a friendly against Mexico when Queiroz was unavailable.
GFA split and alternatives
GFA Executive Council members are divided: some back Ofei, while others worry about public reaction to promoting an assistant. At the same time, the association is still talking to other coaches about the job, according to council member Nana Oduro Sarfo.
Time running out
With 2027 AFCON qualifiers due in September, the GFA is under pressure to finalise the coaching setup quickly. Queiroz’s contract runs until August, leaving only a short window to decide whether to continue with him or move to Ofei or an external appointment.
