Gambia stages a stunning comeback, overcoming a two-goal defict to defeat ghana in accra

By: Ousman A. Marong

Accra transformed from a festive atmosphere to stunned silence on Tuesday night as Gambia pulled off one of the most remarkable comebacks in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying history, rallying from 2-0 down to defeat Ghana 4-2 at the Accra Sports Stadium.

What initially seemed like a straightforward home victory turned into a national embarrassment for the Black Stars. With Ernest Nuamah and Felix Afena-Gyan putting Ghana ahead within the first 33 minutes, it looked like they were cruising. However, the Scorpions struck back with four unanswered goals, leaving the hosts at the bottom of the group with no points from two matches.

The evening kicked off perfectly for Ghana. Energized by a lively home crowd, the Black Stars pressed high and moved the ball with confidence. Their efforts paid off in the 27th minute when the referee awarded a penalty for a foul in the Gambian box. Ernest Nuamah stepped up and coolly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, making it 1-0.

Ghana extended their lead just six minutes later in spectacular fashion. Felix Afena-Gyan stood over a free kick just outside the area in the 33rd minute and curled a beautiful shot over the wall and into the net, bringing the score to 2-0. At that moment, Ghana seemed to be in complete control.

But the game took a dramatic turn in just five minutes. Gambia began pushing forward and found their breakthrough in the 37th minute when Gideon Mensah was penalized for a foul in the Ghanaian box. Muhammad Badamosi kept his cool and converted the penalty, narrowing the score to 2-1.

Suddenly, the Gambian bench erupted with energy, and the players gained newfound confidence. In the 42nd minute, Gambia launched a long throw deep into the Ghana penalty area. The delivery caused chaos in the home defense, and Omar Colley reacted quickest to bundle the ball home from close range, leveling the score at 2-2.

Ghana nearly responded immediately. In the 44th minute, Jonas Adjetey met a teasing cross with a powerful header that beat the goalkeeper but crashed back off the crossbar. The two teams headed into the break tied at 2-2 after an exhilarating first half.

Ghana made two changes at halftime, Thomas Asante and Sibo made way for Benjamin Tetteh and Ibrahim Sulemana as Ghana aimed to regain control of the midfield and inject some fresh energy into their attack.

The second half started off a bit tense, with both teams fully aware of the stakes. Ghana enjoyed more possession but found it tough to break through a well-organized Gambian defense.

The turning point arrived in the 68th minute. Ebrima Colley took advantage of some careless defending from Ghana, seizing a loose ball just outside the box and firing a low shot into the bottom corner, putting Gambia ahead 3-2 for the first time that night. The away fans erupted in joy.

In the final minutes, Ghana pushed hard for an equalizer, with Tetteh and Sulemana combining well as they ramped up the pressure. However, Gambia stood firm, defending with determination, blocking shots, and clearing crosses.

As Ghana committed more players forward, gaps began to appear at the back. In the 90th minute, Gambia clinched a memorable victory on the counterattack. Ebrima Colley sprinted past the retreating defense and calmly slotted in his second goal of the night, making it 4-2.

The final whistle sparked wild celebrations among the Gambian players and fans, while the home crowd left in stunned silence.

For Gambia, it’s a perfect six points from six, marking a night they won’t forget anytime soon. For Ghana, a nation with a rich footballing history, the path to the 2027 AFCON looks increasingly precarious after two consecutive defeats.