By Simon Asare, GNA
Accra, Nov. 10, GNA – The Black Stars of Ghana will seek to revive their faltering 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign when they host Somalia in a crucial Group C encounter at the Essipong Sports Stadium in Sekondi-Takoradi on Thursday, November 12, 2026.
The match, scheduled for a 3:00 p.m. GMT kick-off, marks the beginning of a decisive double-header between the two nations, with the return leg also set to be played at the same venue on Monday, November 16.
For Ghana, the stakes could hardly be higher.
After missing out on qualification for AFCON 2025 in Morocco, their first absence from the continental competition since 2004, the four-time African champions have endured a disastrous start to the AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.
A 2-0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké was followed by a shocking 4-2 home loss to The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium, despite the Black Stars racing into a two-goal lead. Those results have left Ghana rooted at the bottom of Group C without a point after two matches.
The difficult start also led to major changes within the technical setup, culminating in the resignation of head coach Carlos Queiroz.
In response, the Ghana Football Association, together with the Ministry responsible for sports, appointed an interim technical team led by Black Queens coach Kim Lars Björkegren.
The Swedish coach would be assisted by former Ghana international Ibrahim Tanko and Godwin Attram, while former Black Stars goalkeeper Fatawu Dauda takes charge of the goalkeepers.
Their immediate task is to deliver against Somalia in both double heaaders with Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia both sitting on six points after two matches.
The Black Stars realistically need victories in all four remaining matches to secure qualification for the tournament, which would be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
Two victories against would move the Black Stars onto six points and place them firmly back in contention heading into their final matches against Côte d’Ivoire at home and The Gambia away.
Team News
Despite Ghana’s recent struggles, there are reasons for optimism ahead of the encounter.
Interim coach Björkegren has named a strong 26-man squad boosted by the return of several key layers.
Captain Jordan Ayew rejoins the team after recovering from the groin injury that ruled him out of last month’s qualifiers, while Mohammed Kudus returns after a lengthy absence that kept him out of action throughout 2026, including the FIFA World Cup hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
German-based midfielder Daniel-Kofi Kyereh has also received his first national team call-up in four years following a prolonged injury layoff that kept him away from international football since December 2022.
Defenders Mohammed Salisu and Alidu Seidu are also back in the fold, providing welcome reinforcement for a defence that has conceded six goals in only two qualifying matches.
The returns are expected to strengthen a side that has struggled for consistency, composure and defensive stability during recent outings.
Way Forward
For Björkegren and his technical team, one of the key priorities will be addressing the defensive frailties and psychological lapses that allowed Ghana to surrender a two-goal advantage against The Gambia. Improved organisation, concentration and game management will be essential if the Black Stars are to avoid further costly mistakes.
The team would also hope to draw inspiration from the support of home fans as senior international football returns to the Western Region. With Ghana’s qualification hopes hanging by a thread, the Essipong Sports Stadium is expected to provide a vibrant atmosphere as supporters rally behind the national side.
Somalia, however, are unlikely to make things easy.
The Ocean Stars are also searching for their first points of the campaign and will view the double-header as an opportunity to improve their position in the group. Under head coach Yusuf Ali Nur, Somalia will hope to frustrate the hosts and capitalise on any lingering weaknesses within the Ghanaian setup.
For Ghana, discipline, effective ball possession and clinical finishing will be critical if they are to secure the maximum six points available from the two encounters.
The Black Stars remain one of Africa’s most decorated football nations, having made 24 AFCON appearances, won four continental titles and featured at three FIFA World Cups.
Yet the prospect of missing two consecutive AFCON tournaments is now a real possibility especially if they should drop points against Somalia.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Simon Asare
Email: [email protected]