Ghana face 2027 AFCON qualifying crisis after second defeat

Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz insists the Black Stars are “not a problem” despite suffering a second consecutive defeat in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The four-time African champions surrendered a two-goal lead to lose 4-2 to The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday.

Ghana had been hoping to bounce back from their 2-0 defeat by Côte d’Ivoire in their opening Group C match last Thursday, but another disappointing result leaves them without a point from their first two games.

Queiroz acknowledged that his side are facing difficulties but rejected the suggestion that the Black Stars themselves are the problem.

“The same answer that I give you now. We are facing some challenges, some problems. But the Black Stars was never a problem,” Queiroz said after the defeat.

“It is not a problem, and it will never be a problem in the future, as far as we find the solutions to bring the team together,” he added.

Ghana took control of the match by establishing a 2-0 lead but were unable to hold on as The Gambia staged a remarkable comeback to claim all three points.

The result leaves Ghana facing an uphill task in their bid to qualify for the 2027 AFCON, with the Black Stars now needing to revive their campaign in their remaining Group C fixtures.

Ghana will return to action in October with a double-header against Somalia at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The Black Stars are seeking to return to the continental showpiece after missing the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, ending a run of appearances that had stretched back more than two decades.