Ghana’s Black Stars lost at home to The Gambia in their second match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, extending their winless run in these games to eight matches. The defeat left Ghana without a point and bottom of their group after conceding six goals in two games.
Carlos Queiroz was managing his first match on Ghanaian soil, but his side’s promising start quickly collapsed. Ghana took an early lead in the 27th minute when defender Jerome Opoku was fouled in the box following a corner. Ernest Nuamah calmly converted the resulting penalty to send the home crowd into celebration.
The Black Stars doubled their advantage soon after. Afene Gyan, making his first start in more than four years, scored from a free kick, putting Ghana 2–0 up. At that moment, the team seemed in control.
But the tide turned before halftime. Captain Gideon Mensah conceded a penalty that allowed The Gambia to score and reduce the deficit. Just five minutes later, another defensive mistake let the visitors equalize. Ghana went into the break tied 2–2 after leading 2–0.
The second half brought no relief for the Black Stars. Defensive uncertainty continued, and Mensah was involved in another crucial moment that let The Gambia take the lead. Ghana pushed hard for an equalizer but failed to break through as the visitors scored late to secure all three points.
The loss adds to Ghana’s struggles in AFCON qualifiers, dating back to the 2025 edition when they failed to win any of their six qualifying games. After two matches in the 2027 qualifiers, the team still has no points and has conceded six goals.
Ghana’s attacking play showed promise, with two goals and several early chances, but defensive errors cost them dearly. The Black Stars now face an uphill battle in the remaining qualifiers as pressure mounts on Queiroz and his squad to reverse the trend.
According to 3News.
