AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Under-fire Ghana hosts Gambia in must-win Accra showdown

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 at the 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 and in good shape, and we are ready for the game,” Queiroz said.

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.

The match is scheduled for 4pm kick-off at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.