Ghana face tougher 2027 AFCON qualifier test in cleared Banjul stadium

Ghana’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign will include a trip to The Gambia’s 30,000-capacity Independence Stadium after CAF granted the Bakau venue provisional approval. The first meeting is scheduled for September 27-29, 2026, with the return fixture in The Gambia on March 28, 2027.

The decision allows The Gambia to stage senior competitive internationals at home again after a multi-year ban forced the Scorpions to use neutral venues in Morocco and Senegal. Ghana will therefore face The Gambia in Banjul rather than at a venue outside the country.

The teams are in Group C alongside Côte d’Ivoire and Somalia. Ghana’s visit will come in the second fixture between the sides, giving The Gambia the chance to use a renovated home ground for the return match. Improvements have been made to the playing surface, dressing rooms, floodlights and media facilities.

The Gambia’s recent results show an inconsistent side that has still demonstrated its ability to produce strong performances. The Scorpions lost 3-1 to Iran, 3-1 to Senegal and 4-3 to Gabon, while recording a 7-0 win over Seychelles and a 2-0 victory against Burundi. Their return to Banjul adds the benefit of familiar surroundings and local support to that recent form.

CAF’s decision is not yet permanent. Matchday inspectors will examine structural safety, crowd management and operational arrangements during the opening fixtures before the stadium can receive full certification.

The provisional clearance gives The Gambia a significant change from its recent qualifying arrangements and removes the neutral-venue factor from Ghana’s return match. The qualifiers are due to start in September, with both teams set to begin their route through Group C before meeting again in Banjul in March 2027.