Ghana host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, knowing they need three points to revive their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign.
The Black Stars made a poor start to Group C, losing 2-0 to Cote d’Ivoire in Bouake in their opening match. The result leaves Ghana under pressure to respond in front of their home supporters.
The Gambia, meanwhile, began their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Somalia on Friday. The Scorpions have three points and are joint-top of the group alongside Cote d’Ivoire.
Ghana are attempting to return to the Africa Cup of Nations after missing the 2025 tournament in Morocco. Their immediate task is to avoid falling further behind in a group in which only two teams will qualify.
Coach Carlos Queiroz confirmed Ghana will be without captain Alexander Djiku, who was forced off in the 71st minute against Cote d’Ivoire before returning to his club, Spartak Moscow.
Ronald Donkor is the only other player whose availability remains uncertain. Queiroz said 22 players had trained normally and were ready for the match, with Donkor possibly fit enough to take a place on the bench.
The only player that is still in doubt is Ronald Donkor. We hope that he can at least be on the bench tomorrow to give his contribution. Otherwise, all the other players trained normally in good condition, in good shape and we are ready for the game, Queiroz said.
The Ghana coach expects his side to control possession and attack throughout the match. He also wants an improvement in front of goal after missed opportunities contributed to the defeat in Bouake.
We come from a lesson we learned in Ivory Coast. We always win or learn. The boys are ready with a lot of motivation. We have to have the ball with us, recover the ball, keep the ball, and play with a positive mind to score. If our defining moments get better, we’re very close to winning.
Queiroz also called on supporters to back the squad selected for the game.
We only need the ones that come here to support the players that are here to perform. Those 22 players are the most important players of the Black Stars now.
The Gambia will be without Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh, who sustained a contact injury to his right leg during pre-season. Musa Barrow, Abdoulie Manneh and Adama Sidibeh are also ruled out through injury.
Captain Omar Colley is expected to lead The Gambia in Accra as they seek to build on their opening victory and frustrate Ghana.
Kick-off is scheduled for 16:00 at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday, 29 September 2026.
