Ghana’s Crisis Deepens After Unfortunate Start to 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers
The Black Stars, who already raised questions with their performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, could miss the continental tournament for a second consecutive edition.
Ghana’s situation is beginning to raise concerns in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. The Black Stars have lost their opening two Group C matches and remain without a point after suffering a home comeback against Gambia, a setback that comes after their absence from the previous Africa Cup of Nations.
TWO DEFEATS TO OPEN THE QUALIFIERS
Ghana’s campaign got off to a difficult start from the very first match. The team coached by Carlos Queiroz lost 2-0 to Ivory Coast in Bouaké on September 24, with the hosts scoring through Malick Yalcouyé and Franck Kessié.
Five days later, the Black Stars hosted Gambia in Accra and appeared to have the match under control. Ernest Nuamah converted a penalty in the 27th minute before Felix Afena-Gyan doubled Ghana’s lead six minutes later.
However, Gambia responded before halftime and eventually completed a stunning comeback to win 4-2. Ebrima Colley scored twice as the visitors secured all three points.
GHANA MANAGER REFUSES TO RESIGN AND DEFENDS HIS PROJECT
Following the defeat, Carlos Queiroz dismissed the idea that resigning would be the solution. The Portuguese coach said the result should serve as a learning experience and insisted that one defeat does not make him a loser.
The Ghana Football Association appointed Queiroz as head coach in September after he led the team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Ghana reached the Round of 32. His new mandate is focused on guiding Ghana back to the AFCON.
INJURIES COMPLICATE GHANA’S ROAD TO AFCON 2027
Injuries have also affected the beginning of this new era. Jordan Ayew was ruled out with a groin injury, while Thomas Partey was also unavailable. In addition, Alexander Djiku suffered an injury during the defeat to Ivory Coast and missed the match against Gambia.
Meanwhile, Mohammed Kudus returned to the national team after a seven-month injury absence, although he was unable to feature at the 2026 World Cup.
The situation is delicate: Ghana has zero points after two matches, while Gambia has six points and sits near the top of Group C. For the Black Stars, the immediate objective will be to recover ground in a qualifying campaign that is only getting started but has already left them needing a response.
KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM GHANA’S CRISIS
- TWO DEFEATS AND ZERO POINTS: Ghana lost to Ivory Coast before surrendering a 2-0 lead against Gambia in a 4-2 defeat.
- QUEIROZ HAS NO PLANS TO RESIGN: Carlos Queiroz has ruled out stepping down and remains committed to continuing as head coach of the Black Stars.
- INJURIES HAVE HIT THE SQUAD: The absences of Jordan Ayew, Thomas Partey and Alexander Djiku, among others, have made Ghana’s start to the AFCON 2027 qualifiers even more challenging.
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