Black Stars Players Were Unhappy With Each Other – Gambia Coach McKinstry Reveals

Gambia head coach Jonathan McKinstry has said his side’s stunning 4-2 comeback victory over Ghana at the Accra Sports Stadium did not come as a surprise, claiming his technical team noticed cracks in the Black Stars camp before and during the game.

The Scorpions produced one of their most memorable away wins on Tuesday in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Ghana looked in total control after Ernest Nuamah converted a 27th minute penalty before Felix Afena-Gyan doubled the lead with a free-kick six minutes later.

But Gambia responded brilliantly. Muhammad Badamosi pulled one back in the 37th minute and captain Omar Colley levelled five minutes later to make it 2-2 at halftime. Substitute Ebrima Colley then completed the comeback with a brace in the 68th and 91st minutes.

Speaking at his post-match press conference, McKinstry said he follows Ghana football closely and expected the game to open up after the equaliser.

“We noticed that a few of the Black Stars players were unhappy with each other. So we knew there was disruption [in the team],” McKinstry said.

He added that the tension was visible as Ghana players walked off at halftime after throwing away a two-goal lead.

“In terms of the rhythm of the game, our second goal changed the emotion of the game. We could notice that a few of the Black Stars players were unhappy with each other. We spoke about that at halftime. Even as they were coming into the dressing room, something stronger than strong words were being said among the Ghana players, so we knew there was disruption there,” he added.

McKinstry, who began his African football journey in Ghana with Right to Dream Academy, said his understanding of Ghanaian football culture helped his side prepare for the collapse.

“My love for African football began in Ghana… beyond the tactics, I sort of had an understanding of the culture and a little bit of Ghanaian football. When it went to 2-2, I had a feeling that the Black Stars might react in terms of the game becoming less controlled, then we will have our opportunities,” he said.

The result leaves Gambia top of Group C with six points from two matches, while Ghana are bottom with zero points after also losing 2-0 to Cote d’Ivoire.