By Simon Asare, GNA
Accra, Sept. 29, GNA – The Black Stars of Ghana suffered a disappointing 4-2 defeat to The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium, dealing a major blow to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification hopes.
Head coach Carlos Queiroz made a few changes to the side that lost to Ivory Coast, recalling goalkeeper Benjamin Asare in place of Lawrence Ati-Zigi.
Brandon Thomas-Asante led the attack, while Afena-Gyan was handed a starting berth.
Ghana dominated possession in the opening stages but struggled to create clear-cut scoring opportunities despite enjoying the lion’s share of the ball.
The breakthrough came in the 27th minute when the Black Stars were awarded a penalty. Ernest Nuamah stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to give Ghana the lead.
Afena-Gyan doubled Ghana’s advantage six minutes later with a superbly taken free-kick, putting the hosts firmly in control at 2-0.
However, the visitors mounted a swift response. Mohamed Badamosi reduced the deficit from the penalty spot before Omar Colley restored parity five minutes later, leaving the Accra Sports Stadium stunned as Ghana squandered their two-goal advantage before halftime.
Ghana started the second half brightly and looked the more dangerous side as they searched for a third goal. The contest remained lively, with both teams showing attacking intent.
The Gambians, however, took the lead through Ebrima Colley, who capitalized on a costly error by Ghana captain Gideon Mensah to make it 3-2.
As the Black Stars pushed for an equalizer, Gambia sealed a memorable victory in stoppage time when Colley grabbed his second goal of the match, completing a remarkable turnaround and condemning Ghana to a humiliating 4-2 defeat on home soil.
The result leaves Ghana’s qualification hopes hanging in the balance, while The Gambia celebrated a famous victory in Accra.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade