The Ghana Black Stars will be aiming to secure their first points in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers when they take on The Gambia in Accra.
Ghana suffered a difficult start to the qualification campaign after losing 2-0 to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké in their opening Group C fixture. The result leaves the Black Stars under pressure to respond with a positive result on home soil.
The Gambia, meanwhile, began their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory over Somalia on Friday. The Scorpions have three points and are level with Côte d’Ivoire at the top of the group.
Ghana is seeking a return to the AFCON tournament after failing to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The Black Stars will therefore be looking to use their home fixture against The Gambia to strengthen their position in the group.
Ghana Team News
The Black Stars will be without captain Alexander Djiku, who was forced off in the 71st minute during the defeat to Côte d’Ivoire. The defender has since returned to his club, Spartak Moscow.
Head coach Carlos Queiroz confirmed before the match that 22 players are available for selection, although Ronald Donkor remains a doubt.
Queiroz said the team has trained well and is prepared for the encounter, with the coaching staff hoping Donkor will recover sufficiently to make the bench.
The Portuguese coach has also called on the Black Stars to improve their attacking efficiency. Ghana created several scoring opportunities against Côte d’Ivoire but failed to convert them.
Queiroz wants Ghana to maintain possession, control the match and attack throughout the 90 minutes while improving their finishing in front of goal.
The Gambia Team News
The Gambia will also be missing several important players for the Ghana vs Gambia AFCON qualifier.
Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh has been ruled out after suffering a right-leg injury during pre-season. His absence will be a setback for the Scorpions, while captain Omar Colley is expected to lead the team in Accra.
Other Gambian players unavailable due to injury include Musa Barrow, Abdoulie Manneh and Adama Sidibeh.
Despite the absences, The Gambia will arrive in Ghana with confidence following their opening-day victory over Somalia.
Black Stars Target Crucial AFCON Qualifying Points
The encounter presents Ghana with an opportunity to recover from the opening-day defeat and strengthen its position in the 2027 AFCON qualifying group.
Carlos Queiroz has urged supporters at the stadium to back the players as the Black Stars seek a crucial victory.
With Ghana determined to return to Africa’s premier football tournament, the Ghana vs Gambia match is expected to be an important fixture in the Black Stars’ 2027 AFCON qualification campaign.
Source: newsthemegh.com