AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Gambia coach McKinstry points to Ghana dressing-room problems after shock win

Gambia coach Johnathan McKinstry has pointed to reported problems within Ghana’s dressing room after his side came from two goals down to beat the Black Stars 4-2 in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Ghana appeared to be in control after Ernest Nuamah and Felix Afena-Gyan put them 2-0 ahead in the first half, but Gambia produced a remarkable comeback to secure all three points at the Accra Sports Stadium.

McKinstry says Gambia spotted disruption

McKinstry said his team noticed signs of unhappiness among some Ghana players and believed the situation could affect the Black Stars during the match.

“We noticed that a few of the Black Stars players were unhappy with each other. So we knew there was disruption [in the team]. I follow Ghana football very well so to win 4-2 didn’t surprise me,” he said at his post-match press conference.

The Gambia coach added that his close following of Ghanaian football meant his team was aware of the situation surrounding the Black Stars before the game.

Gambia overturn two-goal deficit

Ghana took the lead in the 27th minute when Nuamah converted a penalty before Afena-Gyan doubled the advantage five minutes later with a direct free-kick.

The visitors responded before the interval, with Mohamed Badamosi and Omar Colley scoring to restore parity.

Gambia then completed the turnaround in the second half through Ebrima Colley, who scored twice to seal a 4-2 victory.

Ghana face difficult qualifying campaign

The defeat leaves Ghana without a point from their opening two Group C matches after they also lost 2-0 to Côte d’Ivoire in their opening qualifier.

Gambia, meanwhile, have made a perfect start to the campaign and sit top of the group with six points from two matches.

The Black Stars will now have to recover from their difficult start as they continue their bid to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.