2027 AFCONQ: Black Stars have the potential to beat The Gambia – Abukari Damba

Former Ghana goalkeeper Abukari Damba has called on the Black Stars to exhibit determination and discipline as they pursue their maiden victory in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign against The Gambia. Ghana commenced their Group C campaign with a 2-0 loss to Ivory Coast in Bouake last Thursday, necessitating a favorable outcome against The Scorpions in their next fixture.

Damba anticipates The Gambia, who secured their opening qualifier win, to present an additional formidable challenge and anticipates their motivation to clinch another positive result. Speaking to the Graphic Sports, Damba revealed the Gambians would be fully cognizant of Ghana’s capabilities and would strive to frustrate the Black Stars.

Damba stated, "The Gambians will come well prepared because they know what Ghana is capable of. They will come with the hope of winning, or at least picking a point, so we have to go all out and fight for the victory." Although Ghana will be missing several seasoned players, including Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, and Jordan Ayew, Damba believes their absence could serve as a chance for the younger members of the squad to step up.

Rather than focusing on the absent players, he emphasized that those called upon to replace them must demonstrate why Carlos Queiroz has entrusted them with such responsibilities. "We don’t need to cry over spilled milk. We have good replacements, and this is an opportunity for them to be counted. They need to show up," he asserted.

Damba believes Ghana possesses the requisite quality to triumph over The Gambia but cautioned the players to maintain discipline and adhere to their tactical directives. He warned that a lack of focus could lead to unnecessary risks if the players lose their composure. "It is going to be a tall order, but we have the potential to beat The Gambia.

They cannot fail Ghanaians," he remarked. The former goalkeeper also cautioned the Black Stars against adopting an overly aggressive approach in their attacking efforts, emphasizing the importance of defensive discipline. Kick-off is set for 16:00 GMT. Ghana aims to return to the Africa Cup of Nations after a hiatus of over two decades, ending a streak of attendance at the tournament since Morocco in 2025.