Ghana will host The Gambia in a crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Group C Qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
The Black Stars go into the game in need of all points after a false start to the qualification campaign, having suffered a 2-0 defeat to Cote d'Ivoire in Bouaké in their opening fixture.
The Gambia, in contrast, started with a victory, beating Somalia 2-1 in their opening game on Friday. The Scorpions sit joint-top of the group with three points, level with Cote d'Ivoire.
The Black Stars are seeking to secure qualification for the 2027 AFCON after missing out on the 2025 tournament in Morocco and will be desperate to bounce back in front of their home fans.
Ghana will be without captain Alexander Djiku, who limped off in the 71st minute against Cote d'Ivoire and has since returned to his club, Spartak Moscow. Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Monday, Coach Carlos Queiroz confirmed he has 22 players ready for the encounter.
"The only player that is still in doubt is Ronald Donkor. We hope that he can at least be on the bench tomorrow to give his contribution. Otherwise, all the other players trained normally in good condition, in good shape and we are ready for the game," Queiroz said.
The coach has called for dominance on the ball, insisting Ghana will attack for 90 minutes and improve on the finishing that cost them in Bouaké, where the team missed several clear chances.
The Gambia will arrive in Accra full of confidence after their opening day win. The Scorpions, who have become a competitive side in recent AFCON editions, will look to frustrate Ghana in Accra.
"We come from a lesson we learned in Ivory Coast. We always win or learn. The boys are ready with a lot of motivation. We have to have the ball with us, recover the ball, keep the ball, and play with a positive mind to score. If our defining moments get better, we're very close to winning."
The coach also rallied support: "We only need the ones that come here to support the players that are here to perform. Those 22 players are the most important players of the Black Stars now."
The Gambia also head into the game without star winger Yankuba Minteh, who is ruled out through injury after sustaining a contact injury to his right leg in pre-season. The Brighton forward is a notable absentee for the Scorpions, though captain Omar Colley is expected to lead the squad in Accra.
Apart from Yankuba Minteh, The Gambia will be without several other key players for the game, with Musa Barrow, Abdoulie Manneh and Adama Sidibeh all ruled out through injury.
The clash presents a huge opportunity for Ghana to stay in contention for one of the two qualification spots in the group, and Coach Carlos Queiroz will be counting on home support and team excellence to deliver the points for the Black Stars.
The match is scheduled for 4pm kick-off at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
Details
- Match: Ghana vs The Gambia
- Competition: AFCON 2027 Qualifiers - Group C, Matchday 2
- Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2026
- Time: 4:00pm GMT
- Venue: Accra Sports Stadium, Accra
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