Ghana’s Black Stars suffered a dramatic 4-2 defeat to The Gambia in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Group C qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
Gambia stun Ghana with remarkable comeback to beat Black Stars 4-2
Ghana looked on course for a much-needed victory after taking a commanding 2-0 lead inside the opening 35 minutes, but The Gambia scored four unanswered goals to complete a remarkable comeback.
The result leaves Ghana without a point from their opening two Group C matches after also losing 2-0 to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké.
Ghana took the lead in the 27th minute when Ernest Nuamah converted a penalty after Jerome Opoku was brought down inside the Gambian penalty area.
The Black Stars doubled their advantage just five minutes later. Felix Afena-Gyan stepped up to take a free-kick and curled a fine effort into the net to make it 2-0 in the 32nd minute.
But The Gambia responded almost immediately.
Muhammed Badamosi pulled one back from the penalty spot in the 37th minute after Ghana captain Gideon Mensah conceded a penalty.
The Scorpions then completed their first-half comeback four minutes before the interval. Omar Colley pounced after Ghana failed to clear a ball from a throw-in, firing past Benjamin Asare to make it 2-2 in the 42nd minute.
Ghana went into the break level despite having appeared to be in control for much of the opening half.
The Black Stars resumed with greater attacking intent, but struggled to turn their possession into clear chances.
The Gambia took advantage of another defensive error in the 68th minute when Ebrima Colley capitalised on a poor clearance from Mensah to put the visitors ahead for the first time.
Ghana pushed forward in search of an equaliser, with Nuamah going close in the closing stages, but the Black Stars could not find a way through the Gambian defence.
Instead, Ebrima Colley struck again in stoppage time to complete his brace and seal a memorable 4-2 victory for The Gambia.
Goals
– 27′ — Ernest Nuamah (Ghana) 1-0
– 32′ — Felix Afena-Gyan (Ghana) 2-0
– 37′ — Muhammed Badamosi (Gambia) 2-1
– 42′ — Omar Colley (Gambia) 2-2
– 68′ — Ebrima Colley (Gambia) 2-3
– 90+’ — Ebrima Colley (Gambia) 2-4
The defeat leaves Ghana bottom of Group C without a point after two matches, having conceded six goals. The result also represents a major setback for the Black Stars, who are seeking to return to the continental tournament after missing the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Ghana will next face Somalia in a double-header in November, with their qualification campaign now requiring a response after consecutive defeats.