Bento and Queiroz the frontrunners as Ghana close in on new head coach

The quest for a new head coach follows the exit of Otto Addo, dismissed after a poor sequence of outcomes in the March international fixtures.

With barely 60 days left before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Black Stars face urgent pressure to appoint a leader prior to the North American showdown.

The GFA seems to favour a temporary hire, someone to direct the squad through the World Cup ahead of a more enduring choice. This strategy permits the body to evaluate results in the premier arena before pledging to a sustained initiative.

Reports suggest the FA has engaged in thorough negotiations with Bento and Queiroz, leaving officials notably struck by the substantial expertise both applicants contribute to the position.

Bento, a past Portugal player, holds a robust record in global coaching. He steered the Portugal national side from 2010 to 2014, advancing them to the Euro 2012 semi-finals and the 2014 World Cup.

In more recent times, he directed the South Korea national team to the last 16 of the 2022 World Cup.

Queiroz, by contrast, stands as one of the most seasoned coaches for international sides in current football.

The ex-Iran national team manager has further handled the Portugal national team and worked as deputy at Manchester United with Sir Alex Ferguson.

Vital for Ghana, he possesses earlier involvement in African football, from leading the Egypt national team to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations final and a World Cup qualifying playoff.

Such acquaintance with African soccer is viewed as a key advantage, as GFA representatives are said to admire his capacity to meet the distinct requirements of the region.

Yet another notable figure in the conversations is Fernando Santos, the previous Portugal chief who notably guided his homeland to the Euro 2016 title and the 2019 UEFA Nations League success.

Although his application is not as far along, his achievements in prominent competitions have drawn interest.

The GFA anticipates concluding the selection procedure this week, intending to reveal the new head coach by Friday.

The successful candidate will assume control of a Ghana outfit drawn in Group L with England, Croatia, and Panama. The incoming coach must propel the Black Stars past the group phase, an accomplishment they have not managed in their prior two World Cup outings.