2027 AFCONQ: Luck eluded us against The Gambia, says Ghana defender Gideon Mensah

Ghana defender Gideon Mensah says luck was not on the Black Stars’ side after their 4-2 defeat to The Gambia in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

Ghana suffered a second consecutive defeat in Group C on Tuesday after surrendering a two-goal lead against the Scorpions at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The Black Stars appeared to be in control after Ernest Nuamah and Felix Afena-Gyan put them 2-0 ahead.

However, The Gambia fought back to complete a remarkable comeback, with Ghana punished for a series of defensive errors.

Mensah conceded a penalty with a rash challenge as The Gambia pulled a goal back before a poor back pass from the defender gifted possession to Ebrima Colley, who scored the visitors’ third goal.

Speaking after the defeat, Mensah expressed his disappointment and admitted that Ghana had failed to perform at the required level.

“We have to accept that luck wasn’t on our side and we probably didn’t perform as we were supposed to perform,” he said.

The FC Köln left-back, who captained Ghana in the match, also accepted responsibility for his contribution to the defeat.

“As a captain today, I feel like I will also take responsibility for everything that happened today,” he added.

The defeat leaves the Black Stars without a point after their opening two Group C matches.

Ghana began their qualifying campaign with a 2-0 defeat by Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké last Thursday before suffering another setback against The Gambia.

The four-time African champions now face a difficult task to revive their qualification hopes as they seek to return to the continental showpiece after missing the 2025 edition in Morocco.

Ghana will return to action in October with a double-header against Somalia, with both matches scheduled to take place at the Accra Sports Stadium.