Late Winner Secures Points
The Gambia Defeats Somalia 2-1 in Opening AFCON Qualifying Match
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The Gambia opened its 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 Group C win over Somalia at home, earning three points. Ebrima Colley scored from the penalty spot, Bilal Njie equalized for Somalia, and Mohammed Badamosi netted the late winner. The victory came as Ghana began with a 2-0 loss to Côte d’Ivoire, leaving the Black Stars three points behind both teams and at the bottom of the group after the opening round. Ghana now faces an important home match against The Gambia on Tuesday, with coach Carlos Queiroz’s side under pressure to respond after also starting the previous AFCON qualifying campaign poorly and missing the tournament. The Gambia’s match marked its return to the Independence Stadium after more than five years away.
Key Points
1
The Gambia’s Ebrima Colley opened the scoring with an 18th-minute penalty after the Scorpions made the brighter start.
2
Somalia’s Bilal Elmi Njie equalized in the 72nd minute, setting up a tense finish before Mohammed Badamosi scored the winner in the 83rd minute.
3
The Independence Stadium had been closed for renovations since March 2021; The Gambia’s previous match in front of home fans was in November 2019.
4
Under the qualifying format, teams play six group matches, with the top two in groups without a co-host qualifying for AFCON 2027.
5
Somalia’s next qualifying fixture is against Côte d’Ivoire, while The Gambia will travel to Accra to face Ghana on September 29.
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