2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Luck deserted Ghana in humiliating Gambia defeat - Gideon Mensah

Ghana defender Gideon Mensah says luck deserted the Black Stars in their 4-2 defeat by The Gambia in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

The Black Stars appeared to be in control of Tuesday's Group C fixture at the Accra Sports Stadium after Ernest Nuamah and Felix Afena-Gyan put Ghana 2-0 ahead.

However, The Gambia mounted a remarkable comeback, taking advantage of defensive errors to turn the game around and secure all three points.

Mensah was involved in two of the key moments that led to Gambia's comeback.

The FC Köln left-back conceded a penalty with a rash challenge, which the visitors converted for their first goal, before a misplaced back pass allowed Ebrima Colley to put The Gambia ahead.

Speaking after the defeat, Mensah admitted that Ghana had failed to perform at the required level and accepted responsibility for his contribution to the result.

“We have to accept that luck wasn’t on our side and we probably didn’t perform as we were supposed to perform.

“As a captain today, I feel like I will also take responsibility for everything that happened today.”

The defeat leaves Ghana without a point from their opening two Group C matches after they began the campaign with a 2-0 loss to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké last Thursday.

The four-time African champions now face a difficult challenge to revive their qualification hopes and secure a place at the 2027 tournament.

Ghana will return to action in October when they face Somalia in a double-header at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The Black Stars are seeking to return to the continental showpiece after missing the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.