AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Black Stars ready to fight back against The Gambia

[caption id="attachment_1350031" align="alignnone" width="997"] Carlos Queiroz[/caption]Ghanas Black Stars are determined to bounce back from their opening defeat to Cote dIvoire when they host The Gambia in a crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium today.The Black Stars opened their Group C campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Cote dIvoire in Bouak last Thursday, leaving Carlos Queirozs side under pressure to respond with a positive result.Ghana created some promising opportunities in that game but failed to convert them, with Queiroz subsequently placing greater emphasis on finishing during preparations for The Gambia.The Portuguese coach believes Ghana must take control of the game, recover possession quickly and use the ball positively to create chances.If we want to win the game, we have to have the ball with us, we have to recover the ball, keep the ball with us, Queiroz said.He added that the team had worked extensively on finishing ahead of the encounter, stressing that better execution in key moments could make the difference.I am very much confident that it's positive football, attacking football. If our defining moments get better, we're very close to winning, he said.Ghana will also have to deal with a number of absences, but Queiroz confirmed that 22 players are ready for the match, with Ronald Donkor the only remaining doubt.The coach has called for confidence and support from the Ghanaian public as the Black Stars look to put their opening setback behind them and get their qualification campaign back on track.With The Gambia also looking for points in Group C, Ghana will be seeking a strong response in front of their home supporters and a result that keeps their qualification hopes firmly on course.