Ghana will host Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday in a crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. The Black Stars are under pressure after losing 2-0 to Ivory Coast in their opening Group C fixture. Ghana's coach, Carlos Queiroz, will look to make changes to improve the team's attacking threat. The team has struggled with injuries, with several key players, including captain Jordan Ayew and Mohammed Kudus, unavailable for the Ivory Coast match.
The defeat in Ivory Coast was a significant setback for Ghana, who have won just one of their last five matches in all competitions. The team has also failed to score in their last two games, which has raised concerns about their attacking output. Queiroz will be looking for greater creativity and efficiency in the final third against Gambia. Ghana are determined to avoid another major disappointment after failing to qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
Gambia, on the other hand, arrive in Accra with confidence after beating Somalia 2-1 in their opening qualifier. Ebrima Colley gave Gambia the lead from the penalty spot, while Muhammed Badamosi scored the winner in the 84th minute. The victory was significant as it was Gambia's first competitive home match at the Independence Stadium since March 2021. Gambia's coach, Johnathan McKinstry, will want his side to maintain that momentum in Accra.
Tuesday's fixture will be the first competitive meeting between Ghana and Gambia. The two countries have met four times in friendly matches, with Ghana winning three and one encounter ending in a goalless draw. However, their most recent meeting was in 1993, making those previous results of limited relevance ahead of their first competitive encounter. Ghana and Gambia have different strengths and weaknesses, which will make for an interesting match.
Ghana are expected to make changes to their starting lineup, with defender Alexander Djiku expected to miss the game through injury. Antoine Semenyo remains unavailable, while Christopher Bonsu Baah could also drop out of the starting XI. Fatawu Issahaku's position is another area under consideration after he conceded the penalty that led to Ivory Coast's second goal. Ghana's possible lineup includes Ati-Zigi, Oppong, Adjei, Opoku, Mensah, Yirenkyi, Sibo, Sulemana, Thomas-Asante, Nuamah, and Afena-Gyan.
Gambia are also expected to name a strong side, with captain Omar Colley likely to partner Sainey Sanyang, Yaya Bojang, and Alagie Saine in defense. Yankuba Minteh is unavailable through injury, while Mahmudu Bajo and Abubakr Barry are expected to continue in central midfield. Ebrima Colley will offer an attacking threat, while Abdoulie Ceesay could lead the line. Gambia's possible lineup includes Gaye, Sanyang, Colley, Bojang, Saine, Bajo, Barry, Fadera, E. Colley, J. Ceesay, and A. Ceesay.
The match represents an opportunity for Ghana to respond immediately to their defeat in Ivory Coast and put their qualification campaign back on track. For Gambia, it is a chance to build on their winning start and collect another valuable result away from home. The two teams have different records, with Ghana struggling in their last few matches, while Gambia have won two of their last three games.
Key points
- Ghana are under pressure after losing their opening qualifier to Ivory Coast.
- Gambia arrive in Accra with confidence after beating Somalia in their opening qualifier.
- The match is the first competitive meeting between Ghana and Gambia.
