Ghana's national football team, the Black Stars, remains in contention for a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations despite losing both of their opening Group C qualifying matches. The team, led by coach Carlos Queiroz, fell to a 2-0 defeat away to Côte d'Ivoire in their first fixture, then surrendered a two-goal lead at home to The Gambia, eventually losing 4-2 on Tuesday, September 29. This left Ghana at zero points, rooted to the bottom of the standings.
The Black Stars' defensive concerns were highlighted in the two matches, with the team conceding six goals. According to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the top two teams in each qualifying group will advance to the 2027 AFCON, which will be hosted across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Ghana still has four matches remaining and can collect a maximum of 12 more points in Group C.
The immediate challenge for Queiroz is addressing a defence that has leaked six goals in two matches, as well as improving the team's ability to convert possession into goalscoring opportunities. The capitulation against The Gambia, during which Ghana gave up a two-goal advantage, underlined the fragility within the squad that must be corrected before the next fixture.
Results elsewhere will also matter for Ghana's qualification hopes. Beyond winning their remaining matches, Ghana will need results in other Group C games to work in their favour. Closing the six-point gap on both Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia will require those sides to drop points as the campaign progresses.
Ghana's upcoming fixtures against Somalia represent an immediate chance to begin accumulating points and rebuilding momentum. Somalia have also failed to pick up a point so far, making those clashes critical opportunities for the Black Stars. However, Queiroz and his players cannot afford to look ahead to what happens in other matches before they put their own performances in order.
Confidence and consistency have been in short supply during the opening two rounds, and restoring both qualities quickly will determine whether Ghana can mount a genuine challenge for one of the two qualification spots on offer. The path back into contention is still open, but the margin for further error is now gone.
Earlier, it was reported that Carlos Queiroz had responded to calls for his resignation after Ghana’s 4-2 home defeat to Gambia in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. The Black Stars coach addressed the issue directly when asked if he would step down following the loss.
Key points
- Ghana can still qualify for AFCON 2027 despite losing their opening two qualifying matches.
- The team's defence has been a major concern, conceding six goals in two matches.
- Ghana's upcoming fixtures against Somalia are critical opportunities for the Black Stars to begin accumulating points.
