2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Carlos Queiroz apologises to Ghana fans after Black Stars suffer humiliating loss to The Gambia

Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has apologised to Ghanaian supporters after his side surrendered a two-goal lead to suffer a 4-2 defeat to The Gambia in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Ghana looked firmly in control after taking a 2-0 lead at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday, but The Gambia produced a stunning comeback to claim all three points.

The defeat leaves the Black Stars bottom of Group C without a point after two matches, having also lost 2-0 to Côte d’Ivoire in their opening qualifier last Thursday.

Queiroz expressed his disappointment after the match and apologised to the supporters who witnessed another damaging defeat for Ghana on home soil.

“Myself, the staff, all the players, we are deeply sad, deeply sad with the result that happened here today. And we have to say sorry to our fans, to our supporters,” Queiroz said.

Ghana had appeared to be on course for their first victory under the Portuguese coach after establishing a two-goal advantage, but The Gambia responded strongly and turned the game around.

The result leaves the four-time African champions facing a difficult challenge to revive their qualification campaign and secure a place at the 2027 tournament, which will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

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 a return to the continental showpiece after missing the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.