Ghana’s disappointing start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers took another painful turn as the Black Stars suffered a home defeat to The Gambia, leaving them without a point after their opening two matches.
The defeat was also Carlos Queiroz’s first game on Ghanaian soil, but what began with so much promise ended in yet another frustrating night for the four-time African champions.
Ghana started brightly, taking the game to the visitors and creating several opportunities in the opening stages. Their pressure eventually paid off in the 27th minute when defender Jerome Opoku was brought down in the box following a corner, earning Ghana a penalty.
Ernest Nuamah stepped up and kept his composure, calmly converting from the spot to give the Black Stars the lead and send the home crowd into celebration.
Ghana appeared to be in complete control, and the momentum continued when Afene Gyan, making his first start in more than four years, produced a moment of brilliance from a free kick to double Ghana’s advantage.
At 2–0, the Black Stars appeared to be cruising.
But the game quickly turned on its head.
Captain Gideon Mensah conceded a penalty that allowed The Gambia to pull one goal back. Just five minutes later, another defensive lapse allowed the visitors to level the game before halftime.
From a commanding 2–0 position, Ghana suddenly found themselves facing a 2–2 scoreline.
The Black Stars returned from the break determined to restore their advantage, but defensive uncertainty continued to haunt them. Mensah, who had endured a difficult evening, was again involved in another costly moment as The Gambia capitalised to move ahead.
Ghana pushed desperately for an equaliser and fought until the final stages, but their efforts ultimately came to nothing as the visitors struck late to secure all three points and leave the home supporters stunned.
For Ghana, it was another night of frustration and missed opportunities.
The defeat extends the Black Stars’ winless run in AFCON qualifying to eight matches, stretching back to the 2025 edition, when Ghana failed to win any of their six qualifying games.
The situation is now even more concerning in the 2027 qualifiers. After two matches, Ghana remain without a point and sit at the bottom of their group, having conceded six goals.
fought until the final stages, but their efforts ultimately came to nothing as the visitors struck late to secure all three points and leave the home supporters stunned.
For Ghana, it was another night of frustration and missed opportunities.
The defeat extends the Black Stars’ winless run in AFCON qualifying to eight matches, stretching back to the 2025 edition, when Ghana failed to win any of their six qualifying games.
The situation is now even more concerning in the 2027 qualifiers. After two matches, Ghana remain without a point and sit at the bottom of their group, having conceded six goals.
Credit: 3news.com
