Badamosi strike gives Gambia winning start in AFCON 2027 qualifying

Gambia recovered from Somalia’s second-half equaliser to secure a 2-1 victory at the Independence Stadium in Bakau in their opening Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying match.

The Scorpions made the stronger start and took the lead during a controlled first half. However, the contest became increasingly tense during the final 15 minutes before the interval, with Somalia captain Abdulsamed Abdullahi and Gambia’s Abubakr Barry both shown yellow cards in quick succession.

Gambia manager Jonathan McKinstry responded at half-time with a double substitution, sending on Muhammed Badamosi and Suleiman Camara as his side looked to regain control.

Somalia grew into the match after the hour mark and were rewarded in the 72nd minute when Bilal Njie scored the equaliser. The goal reflected the visitors’ persistence and gave fresh momentum to a game that had appeared to be moving in Gambia’s favour.

The hosts responded 11 minutes later. Badamosi, introduced during the interval, found the net in the 83rd minute to restore Gambia’s advantage.

The Scorpions held on through the closing stages to give their home supporters the result they had hoped for as international football returned to Gambia.

The victory gives Gambia an ideal start in a competitive Group C and sets up their next fixture away against Ghana in Accra.

Somalia leave Bakau empty-handed, but their performance underlined the progress made by a national side competing at this level for the first time in its history.