Ghana and Nigeria suffered heavy defeats in the second round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Tuesday, with The Gambia coming from two goals down to beat Ghana 4-2 in Accra and Guinea-Bissau defeating Nigeria 3-0.

The results marked a difficult night for two of West Africa’s leading football nations as the race for qualification to the tournament in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda intensified.

Ghana appeared to be in control after Ernest Nuamah converted a penalty in the 27th minute before Felix Afena-Gyan doubled the lead six minutes later with a free kick.

The Gambia responded before halftime. Mohamed Badamosi reduced the deficit from the penalty spot, while Omar Colley equalised three minutes before the break.

Ebrima Colley then put The Gambia ahead in the second half before adding a fourth goal in stoppage time to complete the comeback.

The defeat leaves Ghana without a point after two Group C matches. The Black Stars had opened their campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire.

The Gambia, meanwhile, moved to six points after two victories and sit at the top of the group.

Nigeria also endured a difficult evening, losing 3-0 away to Guinea-Bissau.

Franculino Dju opened the scoring in the first half before Mama Baldé doubled the hosts’ advantage in the 66th minute. Álvaro Djaló completed the victory in stoppage time.

Nigeria had begun the qualifying campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar, but the loss in Bissau leaves the Super Eagles with three points from two matches. Guinea-Bissau have six points and lead Group L.

Elsewhere, Egypt beat South Sudan 5-0, Morocco defeated Lesotho 2-0 and Senegal secured a 1-0 away victory over Ethiopia.

Algeria came from two goals behind to draw 2-2 with Burundi, while Rwanda defeated Cape Verde 2-1. Côte d’Ivoire also won, beating Somalia 2-0 in Abidjan.

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The three hosts are automatically qualified, while the remaining teams are competing for the available places through the qualifying groups.