Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz faces a series of key selection decisions as the Black Stars prepare to host Gambia in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday, September 29. The match comes at a pivotal moment for the four-time African champions, who suffered a 2-0 reverse against Côte d'Ivoire in Bouaké in their most recent qualifying outing. A positive result at home is now essential as Ghana looks to keep their qualification hopes on track.
Lawrence Ati-Zigi is expected to start in goal for the Black Stars, as they look to bounce back from their previous defeat. In front of him, a back four of Kojo Peprah Oppong, Jerome Opoku, Gideon Mensah, and Jonas Adjetey is anticipated to provide defensive structure. Adjetey will be the only change in the backline following the absence of Alexander Djiku, who picked up an injury against Côte d'Ivoire.
Kwesi Sibo and Ibrahim Sulemana are tipped to anchor the midfield, with Caleb Yirenkyi likely to lose his starting berth. Sulemana will be tasked with offering defensive coverage while also supporting the transition into attack. In more advanced positions, Augustine Boakye will step in for Abdul Fatawu Issahaku after his impressive cameo. Meanwhile, Ernest Nuamah and Brandon Thomas-Asante are expected to maintain their spots.
The front three of Boakye, Nuamah, and Thomas-Asante will be expected to operate in support of Benjamin Tetteh, who is set to lead the line. Below is the predicted XI in full: Ati-Zigi; Kojo Peprah Oppong, Adjetey, Jerome Opoku, Gideon Mensah; Kwesi Sibo, Ibrahim Sulemana; Augustine Boakye, Ernest Nuamah, Brandon Thomas-Asante; Benjamin Tetteh.
Carlos Queiroz has made clear his expectations for the performance, stating that Ghana will look to dominate possession and press for goals from the first whistle. Reflecting on the defeat in Bouaké, where Ghana squandered a number of clear-cut chances, he acknowledged the lessons the squad had taken from the experience.
Gambia enter the all-important clash in decent form, having secured a 2-1 victory over Somalia in their previous qualifier. The visitors will be eager to build on that momentum and will pose a genuine threat to a Ghana side still searching for consistency. The Black Stars will need sharper finishing and greater defensive organisation to claim three points.
Fans can follow the action live on several free-to-air channels, including GTV. The confirmed teamsheet will only be known once it is officially released one hour ahead of kick-off. Carlos Queiroz demands attacking intent, saying the team must have the ball, recover it, keep it, and play with a positive mind to score.
Key points
- Ghana's Black Stars will host Gambia in a crucial AFCON 2027 qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 29.
- Coach Carlos Queiroz is set to make key changes to his starting lineup.
- Gambia arrives in Accra on the back of a 2-1 win over Somalia, setting up a testing home fixture for the Black Stars.
