The arrival of Carlos Queiroz as head coach of Ghana has reopened a forgotten chapter in the national team’s history, the brief but intriguing spell of Mariano Barreto, the first Portuguese to lead the Black Stars.
Barreto took over in February 2004, signing a renewable two-year contract after the departure of Ralph Zumdick.
He was handed a clear mandate: rebuild the team and guide Ghana toward qualification for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Contrary to popular belief, Barreto was not responsible for Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations.
By the time he took charge, that campaign had already ended.
Instead, his early work with the Black Stars showed signs of promise, particularly in the opening stages of the 2006 World Cup qualifiers.
Under his leadership across both the Black Stars and the U-23 side, the Black Meteors, Barreto oversaw 18 matches, recording an impressive 16 wins, one draw, and just one defeat.
It was a run that hinted at structure and discipline, even if it did not always translate into long-term continuity.
With the senior national team, Barreto left Ghana in a strong position.
At the time of his departure, the Black Stars were sitting at the top of Group B in the African qualifiers for the 2006 World Cup, a campaign that would ultimately end in historic qualification for Germany.
His work with the Black Meteors, however, told a more complicated story.
Despite guiding the team to the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Ghana failed to progress beyond the group stage.
A decisive final match against Japan ended in defeat, when only a draw was needed to advance, a moment that summed up the fine margins of his tenure.
Barreto’s time in Ghana was short, lasting less than a year, but its impact continues to divide opinion.
While his spell lacked longevity, some observers believe he helped lay part of the foundation for Ghana’s eventual qualification to their maiden World Cup in 2006.
Now, as Queiroz begins his own journey with the Black Stars, history offers a reminder, the Portuguese connection is not new, but this time, Ghana will be hoping the story ends with greater clarity and success.