Ghana's head coach, Carlos Queiroz, has made a change in the starting lineup for the crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium. Benjamin Asare, the Hearts of Oak goalkeeper, will start in place of Lawrence Ati-Zigi, who drops to the bench. Asare was part of Ghana's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and was named in Queiroz's 24-man squad for the September international window.
The change comes after Ati-Zigi started in Ghana's 2-0 defeat to Côte d'Ivoire in their opening Group C qualifier. Malick Yalcouyé and Franck Kessié scored for the hosts as the Black Stars began their AFCON qualifying campaign with a defeat. Ghana currently sits at the bottom of Group C without a point, while The Gambia have three points after beating Somalia 2-1 in their opening fixture.
Despite the change, Ghana's goalkeeping department remains a strong area of competition. Goalkeeping coach Dan Gaspar recently praised Asare, Ati-Zigi, and Joseph Anang, describing them as an outstanding group and, in his assessment, the best assembly of goalkeepers in Africa. This competition for places has pushed the team to perform at a high level.
The Black Stars will be looking to respond in front of their home supporters and get their qualification campaign back on track. The team's starting lineup for the match against The Gambia includes Benjamin Asare in goal, with a defense featuring Gideon Mensah as captain, alongside Jonas Adjetey, Jerome Opoku, Kojo Oppong, and Peprah.
In midfield, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Kwasi Sibo, and Caleb Yirenkyi will start, supporting the attacking trio of Ernest Nuamah, Brandon Thomas-Asante, and Felix Afena-Gyan. The team will look to make a strong impression and secure a much-needed win to boost their chances in the qualifying campaign.
The match against The Gambia is a crucial one for Ghana, as they seek to bounce back from their opening defeat and stay in contention for a spot in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The team's performance will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as they look to make a statement and turn their campaign around.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Ghana and The Gambia will take place at the Accra Sports Stadium, with the Black Stars seeking to make a strong impression in front of their home supporters. The team's starting lineup, led by Benjamin Asare in goal, will look to secure a win and boost their chances in the qualifying campaign.
Key points
- Ghana's head coach, Carlos Queiroz, has made a change in the starting lineup, dropping Lawrence Ati-Zigi for Benjamin Asare in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against The Gambia.
- The change comes after Ati-Zigi started in Ghana's 2-0 defeat to Côte d'Ivoire in their opening Group C qualifier.
- Ghana's goalkeeping department remains a strong area of competition, with goalkeeping coach Dan Gaspar praising Asare, Ati-Zigi, and Joseph Anang as an outstanding group.
