AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Ghana throw away two-goal lead as Gambia complete 4-2 comeback

Ghana suffered another major setback in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers as the Black Stars surrendered a two-goal lead to lose 4-2 to Gambia in Accra on Tuesday.

Ghana looked firmly in control after goals from Ernest Nuamah and Felix Afena-Gyan gave them a 2-0 advantage inside the opening half-hour.

But the Black Stars lost their grip on the game as Mohamed Badamosi and Omar Colley scored before half-time to bring Gambia level.

Ebrima Colley then completed the turnaround in the second half before Gambia added a fourth late on to seal a remarkable victory.

Ghana make strong start

The Black Stars entered the match looking for a response after suffering a 2-0 defeat by Côte d’Ivoire in their opening Group C qualifier last week.

Gambia, meanwhile, had begun their campaign with a victory over Somalia and arrived in Accra hoping to build on that result.

Ghana started brightly at the Accra Sports Stadium but initially struggled to create clear openings against the Gambian defence.

Their pressure eventually produced a breakthrough in the 27th minute when they were awarded a penalty.

Nuamah, who has been in impressive form, stepped up and calmly converted from 12 yards to put the hosts ahead.

Five minutes later, Ghana doubled their advantage when Afena-Gyan scored directly from a free-kick from the edge of the Gambia penalty area.

Gambia fight back before half-time

Despite establishing a two-goal cushion, Ghana were unable to maintain control of the match.

Gambia gradually grew into the contest and began causing problems for the Black Stars, who struggled to impose themselves despite their early advantage.

The visitors’ response was swift.

Badamosi pulled one back before Colley struck again in the closing stages of the first half to restore parity and send the two sides into the break level at 2-2.

Ghana fail to respond

Ghana dominated possession for long periods after the restart but struggled to translate that control into meaningful opportunities in the attacking third.

Gambia, by contrast, remained dangerous and continued to threaten on the counter.

The visitors completed their comeback in the 68th minute when Ebrima Colley found the net to put Gambia 3-2 ahead.

Ghana pushed for an equaliser but could not find a way through the Gambian defence.

The visitors then put the result beyond doubt in the 90th minute when Colley connected with a cross from Sainey Sanyang to score his second goal and make it 4-2.

The final whistle confirmed another disappointing result for Ghana, who had started the qualifiers with a defeat by Côte d’Ivoire.

The Black Stars remain bottom of Group C without a point, while Gambia move to the top of the group with six points from their opening two matches.