Gambia fight back from 2-0 down to stun Ghana in Accra

The Gambia produced a remarkable comeback to beat Ghana 4-2 at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday, overturning a two-goal deficit in the second round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Black Stars appeared to be in control after taking a 2-0 lead in front of their home supporters, but the Scorpions struck twice before half-time before completing a dramatic turnaround in the second half.

The result gives The Gambia a second successive victory and puts them alone at the top of Group C. Ghana, meanwhile, are bottom of the section after suffering another defeat.

Ghana had made the stronger start and went ahead in the 27th minute when Ernest Nuamah converted a penalty. Felix Afena-Gyan then extended the hosts’ advantage six minutes later, leaving Ghana seemingly well placed to claim their first win of the qualification campaign.

The Gambia responded quickly. Mohamed Badamosi brought the visitors back into the match from the penalty spot in the 37th minute, and Omar Colley completed the recovery five minutes later.

A match which had looked comfortable for Ghana had suddenly been transformed, with The Gambia going from 0-2 down to 2-2 in the space of 15 minutes. The equaliser also shifted the momentum decisively towards the visitors as the Black Stars lost their grip on the contest.

The Scorpions continued to threaten after the interval and were rewarded in the 68th minute. Ebrima Colley put The Gambia in front for the first time, completing a turnaround that had appeared highly unlikely after Ghana’s early dominance.

Ghana attempted to respond but could not find a way through. The Gambia remained in front and finally settled the match in stoppage time, when Ebrima Colley scored again in the 90th minute plus one to make it 4-2.

The victory follows The Gambia’s 2-1 success against Somalia in their opening Group C fixture. They now have two wins from two matches and scored four goals in Accra despite being two goals behind.

Ghana’s campaign has taken the opposite direction. The Black Stars began with a 2-0 defeat by Cote d’Ivoire and have now lost again, leaving them at the foot of Group C.

After surrendering a two-goal lead on home territory, Ghana face a difficult task to revive their qualification hopes, while The Gambia have established an early advantage at the top of the group.