Ghana's Black Stars endured a damaging setback in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign after losing 4-2 to The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday, September 27, 2026. The result represents Ghana's second consecutive defeat in Group C, leaving the four-time African champions without a point from their opening two qualifying encounters.
The Black Stars had taken a commanding two-goal lead through Ernest Nuamah and Felix Afena Gyan, but The Gambia responded emphatically, producing four unanswered goals to complete a remarkable reversal in Accra. Ghana initially struggled to create meaningful opportunities, with The Gambia registering the first effort on target during the opening stages.
The hosts gradually settled into the contest and began to impose greater attacking pressure as the half progressed. Their first significant opportunity arrived when Nuamah identified Afena Gyan with a well-directed pass, although the ensuing effort was deflected behind for a corner. The resulting set piece created further danger inside the Gambian penalty area, where a challenge involving Ghanaian defender Jerome Opoku was adjudged to have constituted a foul and resulted in a penalty.
Nuamah assumed responsibility from twelve yards in the 27th minute and displayed composure to guide his spot kick into the bottom right corner, handing Ghana a 1-0 advantage. The Black Stars then strengthened their position only six minutes later when Afena Gyan found the net from a free kick, curling the delivery beyond the Gambian goalkeeper to establish a 2-0 lead.
However, The Gambia reduced the deficit from the spot and restored belief within their ranks. The momentum subsequently shifted dramatically, with The Gambia continuing to press forward and succeeding in drawing level before the interval, capitalizing on uncertainty within the Ghanaian defence to make the score 2-2.
The Gambia completed their turnaround in the 68th minute when Ebrima Colley capitalized on another defensive lapse to put The Gambia 3-2 ahead. Ghana attempted to respond and searched for an equalizer, but the Black Stars were unable to restore the attacking authority they had displayed earlier in the encounter. The Gambian side remained dangerous during the closing stages and eventually added a fourth goal in stoppage time, completing a 4-2 triumph and securing all three points away from home.
Key points
- The defeat leaves Ghana without a point after two Group C fixtures, having previously fallen 2-0 to Côte d'Ivoire in Bouaké.
- The result also gives The Gambia six points from their opening two matches and strengthens their position in the qualifying group, following their earlier victory over Somalia.
- Ghana will have to recover quickly and produce a significantly stronger sequence of results in their remaining fixtures if they are to keep their qualification campaign alive.
