Ghana face The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday with little room for error in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. After losing 2-0 to Cote d’Ivoire in Bouaké, the Black Stars must respond with a win on home soil.
The pressure is clear. Ghana missed the 2025 AFCON in Morocco and cannot afford another setback as they fight for one of Group C’s two qualification places.
The Gambia arrive in Accra with a different mood. The Scorpions opened their campaign with a 2-1 win over Somalia and sit on three points alongside Cote d’Ivoire.
Carlos Queiroz wants Ghana to set the tone from the first whistle. The Portuguese coach has called for possession, quick ball recovery and a positive approach in attack.
“If we want to win the game, we have to have the ball with us, we have to recover the ball, keep the ball with us.”
Queiroz also wants his players to show greater belief when chances arrive. Ghana created opportunities against Cote d’Ivoire but failed to make their good moments count.
“If our defining moments get better, we’re very close to winning.”
That finishing issue could again prove decisive. Against a Gambia side likely to defend with discipline and attack on the break, Ghana will need patience without losing their attacking edge.
The Black Stars will also have to cope without captain Alexander Djiku. The defender limped off against Cote d’Ivoire and has since returned to Spartak Moscow.
Queiroz confirmed that 22 players are available, with Ronald Donkor the only major doubt. “The only player that is still in doubt is Ronald Donkor,” he said.
The Gambia also have their own concerns. Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh is out with injury, while Musa Barrow, Abdoulie Manneh and Adama Sidibeh are also unavailable.
Captain Omar Colley will be expected to provide leadership as the Scorpions look to frustrate Ghana. For the Black Stars, however, this is about more than three points.
It is a chance to restore confidence, answer the disappointment in Bouaké and give home supporters something to believe in again.
