Carlos Queiroz calls for VAR in AFCON qualifiers after Ghana defeat to Ivory Coast

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has questioned why Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology is not being used in Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after his side’s 2-0 defeat by Côte d’Ivoire.

The Black Stars opened their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign with defeat in Bouaké, where Malick Yalcouyé put the hosts ahead just before half-time at the Stade de Bouaké.

The Elephants doubled their advantage after the break when referee Alioune Sy awarded a penalty after Abdul Fatawu Issahaku was judged to have fouled Yalcouyé in the box.

Franck Kessié converted from the spot to secure victory for the reigning African champions and leave Ghana without a point after their opening Group C match.

While Queiroz praised Côte d’Ivoire’s display after the game, he reserved his strongest criticism for the officiating and the absence of VAR.

“Nothing to do with Ivory Coast; they played very well, all the players played very well. Congratulations,” the 73-year-old said.

“But I cannot give congratulations to the referee.”

The Portuguese coach questioned why the technology is not available in one of Africa’s biggest football competitions, arguing that it could help officials avoid decisive mistakes.

“Why don’t we have VAR in Africa? What is the reason we don’t have VAR in one African Cup of Nations?” he asked.

“We don’t have VAR to help the referee make the game fair.”

Queiroz, who was born in Mozambique, said his frustration stemmed from years of witnessing similar incidents in African football.

“I was born in Mozambique, I grew up here. I’m tired of these situations, of these referees that don’t do a good job,” he said.

The defeat leaves Ghana bottom of Group C, while Côte d’Ivoire move to the top of the standings with three points.

The Black Stars will look to recover when they host Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on 29 September.

Ghana are bidding to return to the AFCON finals after failing to qualify for the 2025 tournament in Morocco, which ended a run of appearances spanning more than two decades.