AFCON fallout in Ghana: Carlos Queiroz has left his post as Ghana head coach by mutual agreement after a disastrous 2027 AFCON qualifying start, including a 4-2 home collapse to The Gambia after leading 2-0. The Ghana FA says his record in the second stint was one win, two draws and four defeats in seven matches, and it will announce the next technical direction. Coach blame vs deeper issues: Queiroz said “soft goals” before half-time shattered confidence, while players and commentators are now questioning the wider setup—some calling for GFA leadership changes, even dissolution, and others arguing the problem goes beyond the bench. Gambia’s momentum: Gambia coach Johnny McKinstry credited a “psychological battle” after Ghana players exchanged heated words in the tunnel at half-time. Tourism & inclusion in The Gambia: GTBoard faces pushback after suspending beach parties and public entertainment in the Tourism Development Area, while STAND-Gambia (with EU support) trained 10 women amputees in tie-dye production under its LEGS initiative.
AGP Executive Report
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Gambia Tourism & Entertainment: GTBoard’s beach-party ban in the Tourism Development Area is drawing pushback, with human rights activist Madi Jobarteh saying the suspension lacks clear details on the security threats and could hurt musicians, DJs, promoters, vendors and other tourism workers. Women’s Creative Skills: STAND-Gambia, with the EU, trained 10 women amputees in tie-dye production under its LEGS initiative, aiming to turn the new skills into income and expand to other regions. Sports, Regional Spotlight: Ghana’s Black Stars turmoil dominated headlines after a 4-2 home loss to The Gambia, triggering fresh calls for coaching and federation changes; Carlos Queiroz left by mutual agreement, while the Gambia coach said Ghana lost the psychological battle at half-time. Arts & Culture Abroad: Mozilla Festival returns to Barcelona (Oct 28–30) with art installations and community-led tech sessions, while a BRAVE culture event in Bradford (Oct 17) mixes music, dance, drumming and workshops.
AFCON 2027 Fallout: Ghana’s Black Stars face fresh calls for change after a 4-2 home collapse to The Gambia, surrendering a 2-0 lead at Accra Sports Stadium; coach Carlos Queiroz rejected resignation demands, while fans and officials—including former GFA chair Nyaho-Tamakloe—pushed for Kurt Okraku and even the GFA to step aside or be dissolved. Match Psychology: The Gambia coach said his side won the “psychological battle” after overhearing Ghana players exchange heated words in the tunnel at half-time. Gambia Football Growth: Sabi FC, newly promoted to Division Two, set October 1 for 2026/27 pre-season as they prepare for national-level competition. Arts & Culture (UK): Bradford’s BRAVE Presents returns Oct 17 with live music, dance, drumming, spoken word and workshops celebrating Black roots and voices. Democracy Watch (Gambia): International IDEA reports improved democratic performance in The Gambia since 2017, with a push for a code of conduct ahead of the December 2026 presidential election.
Ghana–Gambia AFCON fallout: Ghana’s Black Stars blew a 2-0 lead to lose 4-2 at home to The Gambia, leaving them pointless and bottom of Group C after also falling to Côte d’Ivoire—sparking fresh calls for Carlos Queiroz to resign and for the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to be dissolved and rebuilt. Leadership pressure: Former sports officials and MPs backed the “dissolve the GFA” line, while others warned that FIFA rules could complicate any reset, urging meetings and internal fixes first. Match talk: Queiroz apologised to fans, insisted his record isn’t ruined by one result, and praised substitutes Ibrahim Sulemana and Augustine Boakye, while Gambia coach Jonathan McKinstry said Ghana’s halftime tension helped fuel the comeback. Ghana camp disruption: Morocco cancelled a planned Oct 4 friendly in Tangier with Ghana, adding to the scramble ahead of the next qualifiers. Gambia beyond football: International IDEA says The Gambia’s democratic performance has improved since 2017, with efforts underway to promote peaceful elections ahead of December 2026. Arts & culture note: Nollywood stars including Destiny Etiko and Patience Ozokwor reportedly arrived in Accra for Lil Win’s “A Journey to Africa.”
AFCON 2027 Qualifiers Shock: The Gambia stunned Ghana 4-2 in Accra after the Black Stars led 2-0, with Gideon Mensah taking responsibility and Carlos Queiroz apologising to fans as Ghana sit bottom of Group C. Gambia Coach Insight: Jonathan McKinstry said the comeback wasn’t a surprise, pointing to frustration among Ghana players at halftime that his team exploited. GFA/Queiroz Pressure: Calls are growing for Kurt Okraku’s resignation and even GFA dissolution, while Queiroz insists resigning won’t fix Ghana’s deeper problems. Matchday Fallout: The same qualifying round also saw Nigeria thrashed 3-0 by Guinea-Bissau, adding to West Africa’s early-group tension. Local Sports Build-Up: Ahead of the next fixtures, Ghana and Gambia both discussed absences, with Djiku among those ruled out and coaches urging supporters to back available squads. Tourism & Info Integrity: Separately, GTBoard condemned attacks on tourists in the Tourism Development Area, and the Gambia Information Commission urged better access to reliable information ahead of the December 2026 election.
AFCON 2027 Qualifiers (Ghana vs Gambia): Ghana’s Black Stars host The Gambia at Accra Sports Stadium today, chasing their first points after a 2-0 loss to Côte d’Ivoire. Team News: Coach Carlos Queiroz says 22 players are fit, with Ronald Donkor the only late doubt, while defender Alexander Djiku is ruled out. Tactics & Pressure: Queiroz urges fans to back the squad available and stresses continuity, warning against changing too many players each camp. Gambia View: Scorpions assistant coach Abdul Jammeh downplays Ghana’s absentees, arguing their own missing players matter more. Local Sports Development: Minifootball takes a step toward official setup with an engagement meeting on 3 October to introduce statutes and form an executive committee. Tourism & Safety: GTBoard condemns attacks on tourists in the Tourism Development Area and warns violators will face action. Information Integrity: The Gambia Information Commission calls for accurate, reliable information ahead of the December 2026 presidential election, warning misinformation can inflame divisions.
AFCON Qualifier Focus: The Gambia’s Scorpions will face Ghana’s Black Stars in Accra on Tuesday with five key players missing, according to assistant coach Abdul Jammeh, who says the absentees have scored 24 goals recently. Ghana, meanwhile, is also dealing with withdrawals, including defender Alexander Djiku ruled out after injury. Team News & Pressure: Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz says 22 players are fit for the match and urges fans to back the squad available, not complain about those absent, while also calling for stability in selection to avoid “starting from zero” every camp. Goalkeeping Spotlight: Daniel Gaspar claims Ghana has Africa’s strongest goalkeeper group, naming Lawrence Ati Zigi, Benjamin Asare and Joseph Anang ahead of the clash. Match Officials: Moroccan referee Mustapha Kechchaf has been appointed to officiate at Accra Sports Stadium, with a full team of assistants and commissioners named. Sports Development: Minifootball in The Gambia takes a step toward formal setup with an engagement meeting scheduled for 3 October 2026.
AFCON 2027 Qualifier Build-Up: Ghana’s Black Stars are gearing up for Tuesday’s home clash with The Gambia at Accra Sports Stadium after a 2-0 opening loss to Côte d’Ivoire. Coach Carlos Queiroz says 22 players are fit, but defender Alexander Djiku is ruled out with injury, adding to a growing list of absentees. Queiroz also urged fans to back the team on the pitch, not complain about who’s missing, while stressing stability in call-ups to avoid “starting from zero” each camp. Gambia Sports Development: In The Gambia, minifootball is moving toward official recognition, with an engagement meeting set for 3 October to introduce the sport’s statutes and form an executive committee. Local Politics & Rhetoric: Media monitoring flagged comments by Lands Minister Hamat Bah ahead of the 5 December presidential election, warning that “foreigner” language can fuel exclusionary politics. Tourism Spotlight: Gambia Tourism Board DG Ida Jeng Njie urged Nigerians to “come to the Gambia” to explore, learn, and experience the country’s offerings.
AFCON 2027 Qualifiers (Ghana vs The Gambia): Ghana’s Black Stars resumed training after a 2-0 opening loss to Côte d’Ivoire, with the big focus now on Tuesday’s clash at Accra Sports Stadium. Injuries are reshaping the squad: defender Alexander Djiku is ruled out, while other key absences include Kudus, Partey, Jordan Ayew, Alidu Seidu, Nathaniel Adjei and Baba Rahman. Fan push: Djiku and midfielder Kwasi Sibo both urged Ghanaians to turn up in numbers, with Sibo posting “Glory awaits.” Matchday build-up: Ghana’s goalkeeper coach Daniel Gaspar claimed the team has the best collection of keepers in Africa, naming Ati-Zigi, Benjamin Asare and Joseph Anang. Gambia spotlight: The Scorpions arrive after beating Somalia 2-1, putting pressure on Ghana to get points early. Media logistics: 300 journalists have been accredited for the Ghana–Gambia qualifier. Gambian arts & culture: Rohey Camara was unveiled as Miliket Noodles’ brand ambassador, while Njundu Badjie (SORRA) was appointed National Director of African Music Icons in The Gambia.
AFCON 2027 Qualifiers (Ghana vs The Gambia): Ghana’s Black Stars returned to training in Accra after a 2-0 opening loss to Côte d’Ivoire, with coach Carlos Queiroz and the squad stepping up preparations for Tuesday’s clash at Accra Sports Stadium (16:00 GMT). Captain’s Call for Support: Defender Alexander Djiku urged Ghanaians to turn up in numbers, while winger Abdul Fatawu Issahaku echoed the message after the defeat. Goalkeeping Confidence: Goalkeeper coach Daniel Gaspar claimed Ghana has “the best assembly of goalkeepers in Africa,” naming Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Benjamin Asare and Joseph Anang. Referee VAR Frustration: Queiroz questioned the lack of VAR and criticised a penalty decision in the Ivorian win; Côte d’Ivoire coach Hervé Renard declined to respond. Gambia Arts & Entertainment: Rohey Camara was unveiled as Miliket Noodles’ brand ambassador in The Gambia, and music development practitioner Njundu Badjie (SORRA) was appointed National Director of African Music Icons (AMI) in The Gambia. Sports Media Access: 300 journalists were accredited for the Ghana–Gambia qualifier.
Ghana–Gambia AFCON build-up: Ghana’s Black Stars are bracing for Tuesday’s qualifier in Accra after a tough 2-0 opening loss to Côte d’Ivoire. Defender Alexander Djiku and winger Abdul Fatawu Issahaku both urged fans to pack the stadium, while Kwasi Sibo insisted the campaign is still salvageable. Matchday logistics: GFA Communications says 300 journalists are accredited for the Ghana vs Gambia clash, with tag collection set for Monday at Accra Sports Stadium. Gambia football confidence: The Scorpions arrive buoyed by their 2-1 win over Somalia, leaving Ghana bottom of Group C and raising the stakes for the home side. Sports governance debate: Carlos Queiroz again questioned why VAR isn’t used in AFCON qualifiers after the penalty controversy in Bouaké, while Côte d’Ivoire coach Hervé Renard declined to respond. Arts & culture spotlight: Gambian actress/model Rohey Camara was unveiled as Miliket Noodles’ brand ambassador, and Njundu Badjie (SORRA) was appointed National Director of African Music Icons Gambia. Regional security note: ECOMIG clarified that Senegal’s troop rotation in The Gambia is routine and not linked to the December election.
AFCON 2027 Qualifiers (Ghana vs Gambia): Ghana’s Black Stars are bracing for Tuesday’s clash in Accra after a 2-0 opening loss to Côte d’Ivoire. Captain’s Call: Defender Alexander Djiku urged Ghanaians to “come out in numbers” for the must-win game, while winger Fatawu Issahaku echoed the message after conceding a penalty in Bouaké. Group Update: With Gambia beating Somalia 2-1, Ghana sits bottom of Group C and needs a turnaround fast. Injury/Absence Watch: Mohammed Kudus has withdrawn for fitness reasons, and several other key players are missing, adding pressure on coach Carlos Queiroz. Referee VAR Debate: Queiroz blasted the penalty decision and questioned why VAR isn’t available in AFCON qualifiers; Côte d’Ivoire coach Hervé Renard declined to respond. Media & Matchday Prep: 300 journalists have been accredited for the Ghana–Gambia qualifier at Accra Sports Stadium. Arts & Culture (Gambia): Rohey Camara was named Miliket Noodles brand ambassador, and Njundu Badjie (SORRA) was appointed National Director of African Music Icons Gambia. Tourism & Learning: The Gambia Experience is promoting school trips that bring ecosystems, culture, music, and storytelling into the classroom. Regional Security Note: ECOMIG says Senegal’s troop rotation in The Gambia is routine and not linked to the December election.
AFCON 2027 Qualifiers (Ghana vs Gambia): Ghana’s Black Stars face a must-win moment after losing 2-0 to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké, with coach Carlos Queiroz blasting a controversial penalty and calling for VAR in Africa; midfielder Kwasi Sibo still insists “glory awaits” as Ghana prepares to host The Gambia at Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday, Tourism & Culture: Gambia Tourism Board DG Ida Jeng Njie urges Nigerians to “come to the Gambia” to explore and experience the destination, Entertainment Spotlight: Gambian actress/model Rohey Camara is named Miliket Noodles brand ambassador, with a “Miliket Show” featuring local and Senegalese entertainment personalities, Music Industry: Njundu Badjie (SORRA) appointed National Director of African Music Icons Gambia to boost African artists’ visibility and professionalism, Regional Security: ECOMIG says Senegal’s troop rotation in The Gambia is routine and not linked to the December election, Sports Media: 300 journalists accredited for the Ghana–Gambia AFCON qualifier, with tag collection set for Monday at the stadium.
AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Ghana’s Black Stars face an early pressure test after The Gambia beat Somalia 2-1, setting up a big Group C clash in Accra on Tuesday, September 29. Ghana’s opener ended in a 2-0 loss to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké, with Carlos Queiroz blasting a controversial penalty and questioning why VAR isn’t used in Africa. Ghana Squad Updates: Mohammed Kudus has withdrawn to manage fitness after a long quad injury, while Antoine Semenyo also pulled out with a swollen leg; Jordan Ayew is monitored after an MRI scan. Media & Sports Access: 300 journalists were accredited for the Ghana vs Gambia qualifier at Accra Sports Stadium. Gambia Entertainment Spotlight: Rohey Camara was named Miliket Noodles brand ambassador, and Njundu Badjie (SORRA) was appointed National Director of African Music Icons in The Gambia. Arts & Culture: Gambian kora star Sura Susso and Mali guitarist Habib Koité are set for a UK tour, bringing Manding music storytelling to new audiences.
Gambia in the spotlight through sport: Ghana’s Black Stars kicked off AFCON 2027 qualifiers with a 2-0 loss to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké, and coach Carlos Queiroz said he was “proud” of the fight despite a “joke” penalty that swung the game; the defeat sets up a quick turnaround as Ghana prepare to face The Gambia at Accra Sports Stadium on Sept 29. Gambia arts & culture abroad: Gambian kora star Sura Susso and Malian guitarist Habib Koité are set for a UK Manding Melody Tour starting Oct 22, with Susso’s album Londi at the center of the collaboration. Creative economy & fashion: Sierra Leone-born, Gambia-raised creative director IB Kamara is scheduled to open Botswana’s Banana Club Economic Inclusion Forum on Oct 16, pushing the idea that African creativity can drive real economic power. Youth, faith, and ideas: Qatar Foundation’s QIYADA conference (Sept 25-26) features Abu Zaid Tunkara, a Gambian Arabic digital creator and poet, highlighting how faith can shape youth leadership. Gambia-linked policy: President Adama Barrow accused politicians of paying people to attend rallies and using photos to manufacture support ahead of the December 2026 election.
Education & Culture Tourism: A Hampshire travel firm is bringing The Gambia into classrooms with bespoke school trips featuring wildlife, mangroves, local music, storytelling and community experiences. Gambia Politics & Governance: President Adama Barrow alleges some politicians pay people to attend rallies and then use photos online to manufacture support, warning voters to watch for “political gimmicks.” Reform Agenda: Team Gambia Grand Coalition 2026 promises constitutional and economic reforms, including a presidential term limit and poverty-reduction measures. Media & Rights: Amnesty accuses France of “double standards” over allowing Netanyahu’s plane into French airspace while pursuing international-law claims. Football (Regional Spotlight): Ghana’s AFCON 2027 qualifiers kick off in Bouaké vs Côte d’Ivoire, with multiple withdrawals and injury concerns shaping Carlos Queiroz’s squad; the Black Stars then host The Gambia soon after. Local Sports Development: GAFA has formed The Gambia’s first women’s amputee football team, adding momentum to inclusive sports. Arts & Community Voices: A CPJ appeal urges DRC authorities to release music journalist Virginie Manganga, highlighting pressure on media across the region.
Gambia Sports & Inclusion: GAFA has started training the country’s first women’s amputee football team, backing the message “Disability is not inability” and pushing wider participation for women with limb loss. Gambia Arts & Culture (Youth/Ideas): A Gambian-born student, Abu Zaid Tunkara, is featured as an ambassador for Qatar Foundation’s QIYADA youth conference (Sept 25–26), bringing faith-rooted leadership talks to young Muslims across cultures. Gambia Coastal Livelihoods: Tanji fishermen are calling for stronger regulation of fishing activities, warning that unauthorized trawlers are damaging nets and shrinking catches, threatening jobs and food security. Regional Media & Rights: The CPJ urges DRC authorities to release music journalist Virginie Manganga after her arrest over an interview tied to allegations involving Fally Ipupa. West Africa Football Spotlight: Ghana’s Black Stars open AFCON 2027 qualifying in Bouaké vs Ivory Coast, but injuries and withdrawals keep reshaping the squad ahead of the home match vs The Gambia. Ghana Squad Politics: Veteran coach Joseph Emmanuel Sarpong criticises the continued omission of home-based players, arguing domestic talent is being overlooked.
Gambia Sports & Inclusion: GAFA has started training the country’s first women’s amputee football team, backing the message “Disability is not inability” and pushing wider access for women with limb loss. Gambia Fisheries: Fishermen at Tanji are calling for urgent regulation of fishing activities and stronger coastal enforcement, warning unauthorized trawlers are damaging nets and cutting catches. Ghana–Gambia AFCON Buzz: The 2027 AFCON qualifiers kick off with Ivory Coast vs Ghana on Sept 24, with Group C also featuring The Gambia; Ghana’s squad is hit by injuries and withdrawals, while Carlos Queiroz urges humility and focus. Local Talent Pipeline: Medina United youngster Keita has signed a five-year deal with Star Sport Academy, a long-term development move. Gambia Military Court: Alleged “Jungler” Sanna Manjang faces court martial in Banjul over desertion charges. Arts & Culture: Ghanaian-American singer Moliy makes history as the first Ghanaian artiste to win at the Caribbean Music Awards, taking Dancehall Song of the Year.
Gambia Sports & Talent: Medina United youngster Keita has signed a five-year deal with Star Sport Academy, a long-term pathway for his development as the academy builds its next crop of talent. Ghana–Gambia AFCON Build-Up: Ghana’s Black Stars head into the 2027 AFCON qualifiers with Carlos Queiroz urging humility and focus, but injuries and withdrawals keep reshaping the squad ahead of the Côte d’Ivoire trip and the home clash with The Gambia; Antoine Semenyo, Alidu Seidu and Baba Rahman are among those ruled out, while late reinforcements include Mohammed Fuseini, Jonas Adjetey and others. Media Access: Accreditation for the Ghana vs The Gambia qualifier at Accra Sports Stadium is open, with strict deadlines and limited media slots. Gambia Military News: Alleged “Jungler” Sanna Manjang has begun a court martial in Banjul over desertion charges, while the death toll among GAF recruits has risen to four. Arts & Culture: Ghanaian-American singer Moliy made history as the first Ghanaian artiste to win at the Caribbean Music Awards, taking Dancehall Song of the Year.
Ghana-Black Stars AFCON build-up: Carlos Queiroz’s 2027 AFCON qualifiers start in Bouaké vs Côte d’Ivoire with a growing injury headache. Antoine Semenyo (ankle), Jordan Ayew (groin), Alidu Seidu (fitness), Baba Rahman (knee) and Prince Adu Kwabena (head) are out, while Mohammed Kudus has withdrawn to manage recovery. Squad reshuffle: Ghana’s GFA has added nine reinforcements including Mohammed Fuseini, Jonas Adjetey, Ebenezer Annan, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Benjamin Tetteh, Felix Afena-Gyan and others as Queiroz says “we keep sailing strong” despite “holes in the boat.” Ghana vs The Gambia logistics: Accreditation for the Ghana–Gambia qualifier at Accra Sports Stadium is open, with a deadline of 17:00 GMT on 24 Sept and limited media space. Gambia sports inclusion: The Gambia launched its first female amputee football team, plus Isatou Sey’s foundation to back young school athletes in athletics. Gambia justice & service: Sanna Manjang faces court martial over desertion, while the death toll among GAF recruits rises to 4. Music milestone: Ghanaian-American singer Moliy becomes the first Ghanaian to win at the Caribbean Music Awards, taking Dancehall Song of the Year for “Shake It to the Max (Fly) Remix.”
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