Ghana will return to action in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign when the Black Stars welcome The Gambia to the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
The Group C encounter comes at an important stage for Ghana, who cannot afford another disappointing result after opening their campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké.
The Gambia, meanwhile, travel to Accra with three points already secured after defeating Somalia 2-1 in their opening fixture. The result has placed the Scorpions alongside Côte d’Ivoire at the top of the group after the first round of matches.
Ghana looking to respond
Carlos Queiroz’s team will be under pressure to produce a much-improved performance in front of the home crowd.
Although Ghana created opportunities against Côte d’Ivoire, they were unable to convert their chances and eventually conceded twice. The Portuguese coach has subsequently called on his players to be more effective in possession, regain the ball quickly and show greater attacking intent.
The Black Stars are also dealing with several absences. Captain Alexander Djiku is unavailable after sustaining an injury during the defeat in Côte d’Ivoire and has returned to his club, Spartak Moscow.
Ghana’s squad has also been affected by other injuries and withdrawals, leaving Queiroz with 22 players available for the encounter. The coach confirmed that Ronald remains a fitness doubt but said the rest of the squad had trained normally.
The Gambia arrive with confidence
The Scorpions have a different outlook heading into the match after beginning their qualifying campaign with a victory.
Their 2-1 success over Somalia gave Johnathan McKinstry’s side an early advantage in Group C. They will now attempt to take advantage of Ghana’s difficult start by securing another positive result away from home.
However, The Gambia will also be without several important players. Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh is unavailable after suffering a leg injury, while Musa Barrow, Abdoulie Manneh and Adama Sidibeh are also among the players ruled out. Captain Omar Colley is expected to provide leadership at the back.
The Gambia’s assistant coach Abdul Jammeh has also stressed that his side have significant absences, claiming the five players missing from the squad have contributed almost 24 goals between them.
Key players to watch
For Ghana, the focus will be on the players available to Queiroz as the team attempts to improve its attacking output.
Ernest Nuamah, Benjamin Tetteh, Brandon Thomas-Asante and Augustine Boakye are among the attacking options expected to carry much of the creative and goalscoring responsibility.
Augustine Boakye could receive greater involvement after making an impression as a substitute against Côte d’Ivoire. Ghana will also need greater efficiency in front of goal after failing to convert their opportunities in the opening qualifier.
The Gambia, meanwhile, will look toward experienced players such as Omar Colley to maintain their defensive organisation. The absence of Minteh and other attacking players means McKinstry may have to find alternative ways to threaten Ghana.
What is at stake?
The fixture represents a significant opportunity for both nations.
Ghana need to put their first defeat behind them and collect points to remain in a strong position in the race for qualification. Another loss would increase the pressure on the Black Stars with the qualifying campaign still developing.
For The Gambia, victory or a draw in Accra would strengthen the momentum created by their opening win over Somalia.
With Côte d’Ivoire also starting the group with three points, every point could prove important as the four teams compete for the available qualification places.
Ghana vs The Gambia match details
Match: Ghana vs The Gambia
Competition: 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier – Group C
Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Kick-off: 4:00pm GMT
Venue: Accra Sports Stadium, Accra, Ghana
The Black Stars will be hoping that home advantage can help them produce a response, while The Gambia will enter the contest determined to extend their unbeaten start to the qualifying campaign.
