The Ghana national football team, the Black Stars, suffered a 4-2 defeat to The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 27, 2026, in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier. This was after Ghana had lost 2-0 to Ivory Coast in their opening Group C fixture. The back-to-back defeats have left Ghana facing a difficult route in its bid to qualify for the 2027 AFCON, which will be hosted jointly by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Samuel Nartey George, the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram and Minister for Digital Technology and Innovations, reacted to the defeat on social media, calling for sweeping changes to Ghana's football administration. He suggested that the Black Stars should be disbanded, and the GFA dissolved, allowing for a proper rebuilding of the team. George also stated that he would not mind if Ghana were banned by FIFA for two years to facilitate this rebuilding process.
The Black Stars are seeking a return to the continental competition after failing to qualify for the 2025 edition in Morocco. The team's recent performances have been under scrutiny, with many questioning the leadership and administration of the GFA. The Gambia's victory over Ghana was a significant upset, as Ghana surrendered a two-goal lead, with Ernest Nuamah and Felix Afena-Gyan scoring for the Black Stars before The Gambia mounted a comeback.
Ghana will return to action in October for a double-header against Somalia as the team continues its campaign to secure qualification for the 2027 AFCON. The team's coach, Carlos Queiroz, has been under pressure following the recent defeats, with some calling for his resignation. However, Queiroz has stated that his resignation would not solve Ghana's football issues.
The Minister's comments have sparked a heated debate about the state of football in Ghana, with some agreeing with George's assessment and others disagreeing. The GFA has yet to respond to George's comments, but it is clear that the team's recent performances have raised concerns about the administration and leadership of Ghanaian football.
The Black Stars' next matches against Somalia will be crucial in determining their chances of qualifying for the 2027 AFCON. The team's performance will be closely watched, and any further defeats could lead to more calls for changes in the team's leadership and administration.
Key points
- Sam George calls for the disbandment of the Black Stars and dissolution of the GFA following Ghana's 4-2 defeat to The Gambia.
- The defeat has left Ghana facing a difficult route in its bid to qualify for the 2027 AFCON.
- The team's coach, Carlos Queiroz, has been under pressure following the recent defeats.
