Carlos Queiroz has left his role as Ghana head coach for the second time in less than three months after the Ghana Football Association announced that the two parties had agreed to mutually terminate his contract on Thursday.
The veteran Portuguese coach had only returned to the Black Stars job at the beginning of September, having initially announced his departure following Ghana's elimination from the 2026 World Cup in the Last 32 against Colombia in July.
His second spell has lasted less than a month following a disastrous start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign this week, as the Black Stars were defeated by Cote d'Ivoire and The Gambia, with the remarkable 4-2 home loss against the latter proving to be his final match.
Ghana had led 2-0 in Accra against the West African minnows before conceding four unanswered goals during a spectacular collapse, leading to Queiroz having to apologise to supporters.
"This was not an easy decision," Queiroz began, in the statement published by the GFA on Thursday, "but both parties agreed that, under the present circumstances, ending our professional relationship was the most appropriate course of action, with the interests of Ghana, the Black Stars and Ghanaian football above everything else.
"It has been an honour to serve Ghana and the Black Stars. I sincerely thank the Ghana Football Association and particularly its President for their trust and for the opportunity to lead such a proud football nation.
"I came to Ghana determined to help build a stronger future for the Black Stars and support the development of the country's talent."
The 73-year-old also again alluded to frustrations behind the scenes, having acknowledged in the aftermath of the World Cup that Ghana needed to be committed to providing an appropriate environment in which their players can succeed.
"Despite our commitment and efforts, the necessary conditions were not fully established, and our recent performance added to the decision to bring this journey to an end," he reaffirmed in his latest statement. "I leave with respect, gratitude and pride.
"The talent and potential are there. With unity, support and the right environment, this generation can achieve great things for Ghana."
Queiroz's second departure completes a remarkable six months following his appointment in April as Otto Addo's replacement, a mere 72 days before the World Cup, with a short-term brief to make the Black Stars competitive at the tournament in North America.
A victory over Panama and a controlled 0-0 draw with England in Boston sent them into the knockouts for the first time since the Black Stars reached the quarterfinals in 2010, with Queiroz surpassing expectations in the process.
During the tournament, Queiroz hinted - speaking to ESPN - that he saw Ghana as an appealing long-term project, but appeared to bring his tenure to an end after the low-key 1-0 defeat by Colombia in Kansas City.
Upon his re-appointment in September, Queiroz spoke enthusiastically about his return, and the prospect of leading the Black Stars into both next year's AFCON and the 2030 World Cup.
However, things unravelled swiftly, as Ghana were comfortably outclassed 2-0 by Herve Renard's Cote d'Ivoire in Bouake, before Gambia's startling come-from-behind victory in the Ghanaian capital on Tuesday.
It leaves Ghana bottom of qualifying Group C, without a point, after two matches ahead of the double-header against Somalia in November.
Four-time African champions, Ghana reached at least the semifinals for six consecutive AFCONs between 2008 and 2017 but failed to qualify entirely for the 2025 edition after consecutive group stage exits in 2021 and 2024.
