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Ghana stunned by Gambia in a 4-2 home loss

Ghana stunned by Gambia in a 4-2 home loss

9/30/20262 min read

Ghana Suffer 4-2 Defeat to Gambia as AFCON Qualification Hopes Take a Blow

Ghana’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign suffered another major setback on Tuesday night as the Black Stars fell to a 4-2 defeat against Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The loss marks Ghana’s second consecutive defeat in Group C, leaving the Black Stars under increasing pressure as their hopes of reaching the tournament come under serious threat.

Ghana Make Bright Start Before Collapse

Ghana endured a slow start, struggling to create clear-cut opportunities in the opening stages. Gambia had the better of the early exchanges and registered the first shot on target after 19 minutes.

The Black Stars gradually grew into the game and began to create openings. Ernest Nuamah found Felix Afena-Gyan, whose effort resulted in a corner before a challenge on Ghana defender Jerome Opoku led to a penalty.

Nuamah stepped up in the 27th minute and confidently converted from the spot, sending the ball into the bottom-right corner to put Ghana ahead.

Just five minutes later, Afena-Gyan doubled Ghana’s advantage with a superb free-kick, putting the hosts 2-0 up and seemingly in control.

Gambia Fight Back

However, Ghana’s two-goal lead quickly disappeared.

Just two minutes after Afena-Gyan’s goal, captain Gideon Mensah conceded a penalty. Mohammed Badamosi made no mistake from the spot, pulling one back for Gambia.

The visitors gained confidence from the goal and continued to put pressure on Ghana.

Their persistence paid off four minutes before half-time when Omar Colley capitalised on poor defending following a throw-in to level the score at 2-2.

Defensive Errors Prove Costly

Ghana’s defensive problems continued after the break, with Gambia taking full advantage of the Black Stars’ mistakes.

In the 68th minute, Ebrima Colley reacted quickest to another loose ball inside the Ghana defence and fired home to complete Gambia’s comeback and give the visitors a 3-2 lead.

Mensah endured a difficult evening, having earlier conceded the penalty before being unable to prevent the defensive error that allowed Colley to put Gambia ahead.

Ghana pushed forward in search of an equaliser but struggled to find a way through the Gambian defence.

The visitors then put the result beyond doubt in stoppage time when Ebrima Colley completed his brace, sealing a remarkable 4-2 victory for Gambia.

Ghana Face Crucial November Test

The final whistle confirmed another disappointing night for the Black Stars, who have now lost both of their opening Group C matches.

Ghana must quickly regroup and address their defensive shortcomings before returning to action in November, when they will face Somalia in another crucial qualifier.

With the qualification campaign already under pressure, the Black Stars will need a strong response in their next matches to keep their hopes alive.