Ghana vs The Gambia: Preview, match stats, key players and everything you need to know

The Black Stars return to Accra on Tuesday, September 29, needing a response when they host The Gambia in their second Group C fixture of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Ghana opened their campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké, while The Gambia began with a 2-1 victory over Somalia.

The results leave both sides on contrasting footing after Matchday One, with Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia sitting on three points and Ghana and Somalia yet to open their accounts.

The game kicks off at 4:00 pm Ghana time at the Accra Sports Stadium, with Moroccan referee Mustapha Kechchaf appointed to officiate.

Ghana need a response

Ghana are under pressure to bounce back after losing 2-0 to Côte d’Ivoire in their opener, where they struggled to create clear chances while seeing less of the ball.

Gambia arrive with confidence

The Scorpions have already secured three points after beating Somalia 2-1, with Ebrima Colley and Mohammed Badamosi scoring. Jonathan McKinstry’s side combines experience and attacking options, although Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh is unavailable through injury.

Key players to watch

Gideon Mensah – Ghana

Mensah becomes particularly important in a Ghana side that could need to take greater control of the game from the full-back positions.

'I'm not here for a contract; I'm here to serve the Black Stars' - Carlos Queiroz

He offers experience, energy and the ability to provide width when Ghana have possession. Against a Gambian side likely to defend in numbers at certain stages, his positioning could be important in helping Ghana create overloads down the left.

Kwasi Sibo – Ghana

Sibo's recent performances for Ghana have not always been convincing, but his importance to this team goes beyond his form.

With Thomas Partey unavailable and several experienced midfielders absent, Ghana need someone in midfield who can provide defensive protection while also helping the team move the ball forward.

Sibo will have to bring more composure and authority than he showed against Côte d’Ivoire.

Abdul Fatawu Issahaku – Ghana

Fatawu is one of the players capable of giving Ghana the directness they may need against Gambia.

He can receive wide, attack defenders one-on-one and drive towards the penalty area rather than simply circulating possession around the opposition's defensive block.

His decision-making in the final third will be crucial, particularly if Gambia sit deep and force Ghana to break them down.

Ebrima Colley

Barrow is one of the most experienced attacking players in the Gambian squad and has been productive for the national team since making his debut in 2019.

His ability to carry the ball and attack spaces could make him particularly dangerous if Ghana push their full-backs forward.

Alieu Fadera – Gambia

Fadera provides another attacking outlet for the Scorpions. His pace and ability to operate from wide positions could test Ghana if the hosts lose possession while committing numbers forward.

The tactical battle

The key question is whether Queiroz remains pragmatic or allows Ghana to take greater control at home. Against Côte d’Ivoire, the Black Stars conceded possession, defended their shape and looked to counter.

Against Gambia, Ghana will need to be more proactive. Mensah and the other full-back could push higher, while Sibo will be important in linking midfield with attack. Fatawu’s ability to beat defenders could also help Ghana turn possession into real attacking pressure.

However, pushing forward carries a risk, with Gambia capable of exploiting spaces on the counter.

At the other end, Gambia's biggest threat could come when Ghana lose possession. The Scorpions have attacking players capable of exploiting spaces behind an advancing Ghana defence.

Match stats

Ghana – last five matches

1 win, 1 draw, 3 defeats, 2 goals scored, 5 goals conceded and 2 clean sheets.

The Black Stars have also failed to score in 3 of their last five games and have averaged 0.4 goals scored and 1.0 conceded per game

The Gambia – last five matches

In the last five games, The Scorpions have 2 wins and 3 defeats, scoring14 goals and conceding 11 while keeping one clean sheet.

They have scored in 4 of their last five matches and averaged 2.8 goals scored and 2.2 conceded per game.

FKA/AM