Ghana’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign suffered another major setback after the Black Stars surrendered a two-goal lead to lose 4-2 to The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium. The defeat leaves Ghana without a point after two Group C matches, while The Gambia moved to six points following back-to-back victories.
The Black Stars started strongly and took the lead in the 27th minute when Ernest Nuamah converted from the penalty spot. Felix Afena-Gyan doubled the advantage six minutes later, putting Ghana 2-0 ahead and seemingly in control of the contest.
The visitors, however, responded quickly. Mohamed Badamosi pulled one back from the penalty spot in the 37th minute before captain Omar Colley equalised five minutes later, sending the teams into the break level at 2-2 despite Ghana’s impressive start. The Gambia completed the turnaround after Ebrima Colley put the Scorpions ahead in the 68th minute. With Ghana pushing for an equaliser, Colley struck again in stoppage time, heading home in the 91st minute to complete his brace and seal a remarkable 4-2 away victory.
Despite dominating possession, Ghana struggled to translate control into enough clear chances. Match data showed the Black Stars had about 74 per cent possession, but The Gambia were far more clinical, turning limited opportunities into four goals.
The result piles early pressure on Carlos Queiroz’s side, who had already lost 2-0 to Côte d’Ivoire in their opening qualifier in Bouaké. Ghana now sit at the bottom end of Group C without a point, while The Gambia have made a perfect start to the qualification campaign.
Ghana will now need a strong response in their next fixtures to revive hopes of reaching the 2027 AFCON finals.