The Gambia will face Ghana’s Black Stars on Tuesday in their second Group C match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The Black Stars opened their campaign with an away defeat to the 2025 African champions, while the Scorpions secured a 2–1 home victory over Somalia at the Independence Stadium in Bakau.
Despite collecting three points, the Gambia’s performance against Somalia was far from convincing. The display was dire and lacklustre for long periods, while Ghana also struggled to impose themselves against Ivory Coast.
Tuesday’s fixture therefore carries significance for both Jonathan McKinstry and Carlos Queiroz as they look to respond to their respective opening-match performances.
Jonathan McKinstry deployed a 3-4-3 formation against Somalia, but the system failed to bring the best out of several attacking players.
Ebrima Colley and Alieu Fadera struggled to take on their markers and were largely ineffective during the game. The decision to operate with what effectively became a back five also left many fans questioning why the Scorpions needed such a defensive setup against a Somalia side regarded as the weakest team in the group.
More concerning was the amount of space available in midfield in front of the back three. Somalia failed to exploit those spaces, particularly during transitions, but a better-organised opponent could punish the Gambia if the same structural issues appear again in Accra. The Scorpions will need greater control in midfield and better coordination between the midfield and attacking lines.
Both teams are expected to make changes from their opening fixtures. For Ghana, Fatawu Issahaku could make way for Ernest Nuamah, while Afena-Gyan is expected to be handed a starting role. Saint-Étienne midfielder Augustine Boakye is also in contention to start after coming on in the 63rd minute against Ivory Coast.
Boakye and Afena-Gyan both made an impact after entering the game, giving Queiroz additional options as he looks to strengthen his starting XI.
For the Gambia, there is growing anticipation that McKinstry could move to a 4-4-2 formation. Ibou Touray could come in at left-back, while Suleiman Camara is expected to provide width on the right. Ebou Adams could also return to the starting XI in midfield.
The Gambia’s priority must be to compete strongly in midfield and limit Ghana’s threat from the wings.
The Scorpions also need greater efficiency in the final third. Both sides struggled to consistently create goalscoring opportunities in their opening matches, making the performance of the wide players particularly important. The Gambia will need its wingers to create chances and provide better service to the striker. Either Muhammed Badamoesi or Abdoulie Ceesay could lead the line as the No. 9.
Ghana enter the fixture under considerable pressure. The Black Stars have not won an AFCON qualifier since September 7, 2023, when they defeated the Central African Republic. Their recent qualification campaign therefore carries added significance as Ghana look to avoid another difficult route to the Nations Cup. Playing at home could increase the expectations surrounding the Black Stars, with pressure coming from both supporters and the media. The Gambia, meanwhile, have shown on several occasions that they can compete against stronger footballing nations.
Abubacarr Barry has also demonstrated his ability to perform against high-level opposition, particularly when facing technically strong midfielders. For the Scorpions, the challenge will be turning that individual quality into a disciplined collective performance.
The Gambia are expected to deploy Mahamudu Bajo and Ebou Adams in a double pivot, with Abubacarr Barry playing in a more advanced midfield role.
Meanwhile, Ghana have been dealt another injury blow ahead of the clash, with defender Alexander Djiku ruled out of the match against The Gambia.
Djiku’s absence takes the number of key Ghana players reportedly missing the qualifiers through injury to eight.
Moroccan referee Mustapha Kechaf has been appointed to officiate the Gambia’s 2027 AFCON qualifier against Ghana.
The Gambia vs Ghana
Match Day 2 — TotalEnergies CAF AFCON PAMOJA 2027 Qualifiers
📅 Tuesday, 29 September 2026
🏟️ Accra Sports Stadium
⏰ 4:00 PM GMT
