BY ISSAH OLEGOR
Ghana’s hopes of making a strong start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign have suffered another setback after The Gambia defeated Somalia 2-1 in the other Group C fixture.
The result leaves the Black Stars at the bottom of the group after the opening round, following their 2-0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké on Thursday.
The Gambia took the lead through Ebrima Colley, but Somalia responded with an equaliser from Bilal Njie to briefly put the two sides on level terms. The Scorpions, however, regained the advantage when Mohammed Badamosi scored the decisive goal to secure all three points.
The victory means The Gambia join Côte d’Ivoire on three points at the top of Group C, while Ghana and Somalia are yet to register a point.
The next assignment has consequently assumed greater importance, with the Black Stars scheduled to host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday. Having already lost their opening fixture, Carlos Queiroz’s side cannot afford another setback if they are to remain within touching distance of the early leaders.
The pressure comes against the backdrop of Ghana’s troubled 2025 AFCON qualifying campaign. The Black Stars collected only one point from their opening two matches and eventually completed the qualification campaign without a victory, missing out on the tournament in Morocco.
