Ghana surrendered a two-goal lead as The Gambia came from behind to claim a 4-2 victory in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Group C qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday.
The result leaves Carlos Queirozs side bottom of the group without a point from their opening two matches, while The Gambia move top with six points from two games.
Queiroz made three changes to the team beaten by Cote d’Ivoire. Benjamin Asare replaced Lawrence Ati-Zigi in goal, Jonas Adjetey came in for the injured Alexander Djiku and Felix Afena-Gyan was given a starting place instead of Christopher Bonsu Baah.
Ghana began with purpose and earned a penalty in the 18th minute. Abdul Fatawu Issahakus corner from the right reached Jerome Opoku, who was brought down inside the box.
Ernest Nuamah converted in the 27th minute, placing a composed finish into the bottom-right corner to put the hosts ahead.
Ghana doubled their advantage six minutes later when Afena-Gyan struck a low shot into the corner, giving the home side a commanding 2-0 lead.
The Gambia, playing without their star man Yankuba Minteh, responded before half-time. Mohammed Badamosi reduced the deficit from the penalty spot in the 37th minute.
The visitors then completed their comeback in the first half when Ebrima Colley found room inside the Ghanaian penalty area and sent the ball into the net to make it 2-2.
Although The Gambia emerged from the interval with renewed energy, Ghana made the first changes after the break. Benjamin Tetteh and Ibrahim Sulemana replaced Brandon Thomas-Asante and Kwasi Sibo.
The decisive shift came in the 71st minute, when a swift counter-attack exposed Ghanas defence. Badamosi finished the move to score his second goal of the match and put The Gambia 3-2 ahead, silencing the Accra crowd.
Queiroz attempted to restore momentum by introducing Augustine Boakye and Christopher Bonsu Baah for Kojo Peprah Oppong and Nuamah.
Ghana, however, were unable to produce clear opportunities as The Gambia defended deep and protected their lead.
The visitors completed a memorable win in the 88th minute. Colley scored his second goal of the evening to make it 4-2 and seal a major away victory.
The defeat leaves Ghana facing a difficult challenge in Group C, having lost both of their opening qualifiers. The Gambia, by contrast, have taken maximum points from their first two matches.
