Ghana fell 4-2 to The Gambia in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday, surrendering a two‑goal lead before the visitors surged back.
Speaking at the post‑match press conference, Black Stars captain Gideon Mensah said the defeat was partly due to the challenge of integrating many newcomers into the squad.
“We can’t hide from the fact that we had so many newcomers in the team,” Mensah said. “When we talk about newcomers, it has to do with mentality; it has to do with the understanding that they didn’t know about playing for Ghana, wearing the Ghana jersey.”
He added that the pressure and expectations that come with representing the national team cannot be absorbed immediately by players making their first appearances.
“This is not something that we can switch from overnight. It takes time for new players to learn that playing for Ghana comes with a whole lot,” Mensah said.
Mensah also highlighted the unique emotional connection Ghana’s players feel, noting that football is a national passion that “everybody lives off” and that the country celebrates victories together.
He pointed to Ghana’s second goal, scored by Felix Afena‑Gyan, as an example of the passion and commitment expected when playing for the national team, saying the moment “everybody was literally on the sideline.”
“These are things that you can’t learn overnight. These are things that it needs time for some of the boys to learn about it,” Mensah concluded.
