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Nigeria and Ghana Suffer AFCON Qualifying Shocks
Confirmed
In Short: Ghana's loss to The Gambia was equally shocking. After taking an early lead, Ghana surrendered their advantage as The Gambia scored four goals, including a penalty and two from substitute Ebrima Colley.
Ghana also faced a setback, losing 4-2 to The Gambia in a match where they initially led 2-0. The Gambia, a nation with a population of less than three million, came back to secure a stunning victory.
In Group L, Guinea-Bissau now leads with three points, ahead of Nigeria. The group also includes Tanzania, who have already qualified as hosts, leaving only the group winners to progress.
Nigeria's defeat was particularly surprising given that their starting lineup included seven Premier League players. Despite their star-studded team, they were comprehensively outplayed.
Ghana's loss to The Gambia was equally shocking. After taking an early lead, Ghana surrendered their advantage as The Gambia scored four goals, including a penalty and two from substitute Ebrima Colley.
Former African Footballer of the Year, Victor Ikpeba, criticized Nigeria's defense, stating that the team's poor performance dented their AFCON qualification bid.
What this adds
Algeria also faced a challenge, fighting back from two goals down to avoid a shock loss to Burundi.
Cape Verde, who gained attention for their performance at the World Cup, also suffered a surprise home loss to Rwanda.
Background
Algeria also faced a challenge, fighting back from two goals down to avoid a shock loss to Burundi.
What's confirmed
- Ghana also faced a setback, losing 4-2 to The Gambia in a match where they initially led 2-0. The Gambia, a nation with a population of less than three million, came back to secure a stunning victory.
- In Group L, Guinea-Bissau now leads with three points, ahead of Nigeria. The group also includes Tanzania, who have already qualified as hosts, leaving only the group winners to progress.
- Nigeria's defeat was particularly surprising given that their starting lineup included seven Premier League players. Despite their star-studded team, they were comprehensively outplayed.
- Ghana's loss to The Gambia was equally shocking. After taking an early lead, Ghana surrendered their advantage as The Gambia scored four goals, including a penalty and two from substitute Ebrima Colley.
- Former African Footballer of the Year, Victor Ikpeba, criticized Nigeria's defense, stating that the team's poor performance dented their AFCON qualification bid.
What's still developing
- Nigeria suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau on a day of shocks in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying.
- The Super Eagles, three-time AFCON champions, missed out on the 2026 World Cup, and their hopes of featuring at next year’s tournament in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda suffered a significant setback in Bissau.
- Ghana face an uphill battle to reach the AFCON finals after the Black Stars suffered a second successive defeat.
- Ghana appeared in command after a penalty from Ernest Nuamah and a goal from Felix Afena-Gyan gave them a 2-0 lead.
- West African giants Ghana and Nigeria both suffered chastening defeats in Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers late Tuesday, while Algeria fought back from two goals down to avoid a shock loss to Burundi.
- Tiny Cape Verde, who won legions of admirers with their gutsy exploits at this year’s World Cup, also went down in a surprise home loss to Rwanda.
- Former African Footballer of the Year, Victor Ikpeba, has slammed the Super Eagles for defending poorly as the Eric Chelle-led side fell 3-0 away to Guinea-Bissau in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
- Nigeria kept looking for a way back but were undone deep in added time, when Djaló danced into the penalty area and slotted home.
- It is only the second time the Djurtus have beaten the Eagles in AFCON qualifiers, after their shock win in Abuja in 2023.