The Scorpions of Gambia came to Osu in Accra, saw and stung the Black Stars of Ghana by four goals to two at the historic Accra Sports Stadium on 29th September, 2026.
It was a disastrous performance for the star studded Ghana team coming from a two zero defeat by The Elephants of Coted’ivoire in Bouaké, despite the absence of several top stars, Jordan Ayew, Kudus Mohammed, Antoine Semenyo, Thomas Partey, Alexander Dziku, Baba Rahman, Inaki Williams, Alidu Seidu whose places were taken by equally top stars like England Premiership players, Caleb Yirenkyi, Fatawu Issahaku and Brandon Thomas-Asante who were in the line up, so was Kojo Oppong Peprah, Kwesi Sibo, Afena Gyan, Ernest Nuamah, Jonas Adjetey and skipper Gideon Mensah all play for top European sides in Laliga, Ligue1, Bundesliga, Turkish league and elsewhere.
But unknown players from The Gambia came and disgraced them in a horrific encounter in front of home fans.
What made matters worse is that Ghana scored first to lead by two goals from Ernest Nuamah and Afena Gyan, before The Gambia equalised, took the lead, and topped up when the Black Stars were desperately looking for at least a draw.
For the first time in many years, The Gambia, who had beaten Ghana only once in six outings, won the day.
The last time a Ghanaian goalkeeper conceded 4 goals in an AFCON qualifier was in 1973. Benjamin Asare has broken that record, aided by his loose defending, led by Gideon Mensah wearing the captain’s band.
The man who orchestrated the drama was 41-year-old coach Johnathan McKinstry, who was appointed in May 2024.
He did his homework well and has really studied the Black Stars and registered the result with ease to put The Gambia on top of the Group C table.
74-year-old Coach Carlos Queiroz said at the post-match press conference that he takes full responsibility as his players did well.
He was unhappy over some players not showing up for the crucial game, disclosing that 24 players have been missing from his list since taking over the Black Stars.
But many football fans could not hide their anger and frustration as they hurled insults at the GFA President, Kurt Okraku, as the cause of the team’s woes.
Some said there had been favouritism in the selection of players, as the right and best players are not given the opportunity.
“If you are not in the camp of Kurt Okraku, you will not be selected,” said one fan.
Another also blamed the coach for his defensive tactics, which make it difficult for forward play.
There are even allegations that some players do not like the tactics of Coach Queiroz, and others want a total haul of the Black Stars with the majority of locals forming the core.
Others are calling for a demonstration against the GFA, as a few ‘football people’ cannot play with the majority of Ghanaians’ hearts at an event when the national anthem is played to mean it belongs to the people.
Ghana lost by four goals at the Accra Sports Stadium so many years ago, and it has been repeated in the first home game after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Hon. Kofi Adams, Minister of Sports and Recreation, was not able to sit well through the 90 minutes.
The sad result has caused the GFA to cancel a friendly match against Morocco fixed for October 4, 2026.
There seem to be problems in the team which must be solved before the next match.
Two games, two defeats, six goals conceded, zero points. There is still plenty of football to be played, but Ghana Black Stars have already left themselves with plenty of work to do if they are to reach the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
They missed AFCON 2025, and Ghanaians will never forgive the current GFA hierarchy should we miss again. The poor attendance was even a sign that Ghanaians are fed up with the poor results of the Black Stars.
Goalkeeper: 16 Benjamin Asare
Defenders: 14 Gideon Mensah, 18 Jerome Opoku, 4 Jonas Adjetey, 21 Kojo Oppong Peprah
Midfielders: 8 Kwasi Sibo, 3 Caleb Yirenkyi, 7 Abdul Fatawu Issahaku
Forwards: 10 Brandon Thomas-Asante, 19 Ernest Nuamah, 9 Felix Afena-Gyan
Substitutes
12 Joseph Tetteh Anang (GK), 5 Ronald Donkor, 6 Brahim Rahim, 11 Benjamin Tetteh, 13 Christopher Bonsu Baah, 15 Ibrahim Sulemana, 17 Ebenezer Annan, 20 Augustine Boakye, 22 Fuseini Mohammed Gadafi
By Sammy Heywood Okine
