- The Ghana vs Gambia prediction article for AFCON 2027 Qualifiers breaks down form, key players, odds and H2H meetings ahead of the clash.
- The two sides will lock horns on Tuesday September 29 in Accra.
- Kick off set for 7pm EAT/4pm Local Time.
Ghana will play host to The Gambia on Tuesday evening in Accra, with the Black Stars desperately needing a rebound after suffering defeat in their Group C opening match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The Black Stars enter this contest carrying the immense weight of a demanding fan base and a highly pressurized technical bench led by newly appointed gaffer Carlos Queiroz.
Their qualifying campaign got off to a disastrous start last Thursday when a heavily depleted side, missing crucial stars like Mohammed Kudus and Semenyo, was comprehensively beaten 2-0 by group favourites Ivory Coast in Bouake.
Malick Yalcouye opened the scoring before Franck Kessie converted from the spot to seal the Elephants’ victory, leaving their West African counterparts facing an early must-win situation in Accra.
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Having shockingly failed to qualify for the 2025 tournament in Morocco, the Black Stars are facing another historic crisis.
Missing out on back-to-back continental showpieces is an unthinkable scenario for a four-time African champion, meaning Ghana desperately needs a victory here to avoid being cut adrift at the bottom of the table.
On the flipside, The Gambia kicked off their journey under head coach Johnathan McKinstry in style, securing a crucial 2-1 home victory over Somalia.
The Scorpions rode goals from Ebrima Colley and Mohamed Badamosi to claim all three points, giving them the luxury of arriving in Accra with sky-high confidence.
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That Somalia win last week was their first home game since March 2021, ending a five-year stadium ban that had forced them to play their “home” matches abroad.
Under the former Gor Mahia tactician, the Scorpions aim to go further than their 2025 qualifying campaign, where they finished third in Group A with eight points and were eliminated by a 90th-minute Comoros goal.
What time does the Ghana vs The Gambia match kick off?
The two sides will meet on Tuesday, September 29, at the Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra, with kick-off set for 7pm East Africa Time / 4pm local time (GMT).
Ghana vs The Gambia team news
Already dealing with an injury-hit squad, the depleted Black Stars were dealt another major blow after key defender Alexander Djiku was confirmed to have withdrawn from the upcoming fixture.
The defender had indicated that he would do everything possible to be fit for Tuesday’s game, but he has now been ruled out.
Semenyo remains absent through injury, having missed the opening fixture, and will play no part against The Gambia either.
McKinstry, on the other hand, is expected to have his full squad intact as he looks to capitalise on the depleted Black Stars, who are limping into this encounter.
Ghana vs The Gambia predicted lineups
- Ghana: Ati-Zigi; Oppong, Adjetey, Opoku, Mensah; Afena-Gyan, Sibo, Sulemana; Thomas-Asante, Nuamah
- The Gambia: Gaye; Sanyang, Colley, Bojang, Saine; Bajo, Barry; Fadera, Colley, Ceesay; Ceesay
Ghana vs The Gambia head-to-head record and recent meetings
Ghana has historically dominated The Gambia. In the modern era, the Black Stars won 1-0 in both the 2017 and 2019 WAFU Cups, where only Team B players of the national sides featured without their senior stars.
At senior level, Ghana leads 3-1 in friendlies, including a 7-1 demolition in 1978, while The Gambia’s lone victory came in 1993, when they won 3-0.
When the senior teams last met, Ghana won 2-1 in Bakau in 1994. Tomorrow’s AFCON qualifier gives McKinstry a chance to end the jinx and secure The Gambia’s first senior victory over Ghana in more than 30 years.
Official senior match history – last three games:
- November 12, 1994 (Friendly): The Gambia 1-2 Ghana
- November 26, 1993 (Friendly): The Gambia 3-0 Ghana
- January 17, 1978 (Friendly): Ghana 7-1 The Gambia
Ghana vs The Gambia prediction
Ghana, despite being plagued by injuries, comes into this clash as the favourites to win and get back to winning ways.
However, The Gambia absolutely cannot be ruled out, as they arrive with their confidence soaring after their opening victory.
With both sides seeking a crucial three points, we expect an entertaining clash with goals likely across the 90 minutes.