Ghana have seemingly revived their faltering 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Somalia at the Essipong Stadium in Sekondi-Takoradi, recording their first win in the qualifiers to restore some confidence ahead of Monday’s return encounter.
The Black Stars dominated large spells of the contest but had to overcome an early setback when captain Jordan Ayew missed a penalty before Jonas Adjetey and Felix Afena-Gyan found the back of the net to secure a deserved victory.
The result provides a much-needed boost for Ghana, who entered the encounter under pressure following disappointing defeats in their opening qualifying fixtures against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia.
The victory also offers an opportunity to revive their qualification ambitions as they seek maximum points from the two meetings with Somalia.
Ayew Misses Early Penalty No Problem For Ghana
Ghana had an opportunity to take an early lead from the penalty spot after Alidu Seidu was pulled back while racing onto a through-ball that appeared harmless and was already heading out of play.
However, captain Jordan Ayew failed to capitalise from 12 yards, with the Somali goalkeeper reading his intentions perfectly to deny the Sheffield United striker.
The miss represented Ayew’s first penalty miss in a Ghana shirt, temporarily frustrating the home side’s efforts to establish an early advantage.
Despite the setback, the Black Stars continued to push forward in search of the breakthrough, enjoying considerable attacking initiative against a Somali side that remained resolute and organised defensively.
Ghana’s persistence eventually paid off in first-half stoppage time when defender Jonas Adjetey rose highest to head home the opening goal after Thomas Partey headed Mohammed Kudus’ corner back in play.
The defender’s timely intervention came virtually with the final action of the half, marking his first international goal for the Black Stars and providing Ghana with a deserved advantage at the interval.
It was also a significant moment for the national team, as they recorded their first half-time lead in the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.
Afena-Gyan Doubles Ghana’s Advantage
Ghana returned from the break with renewed attacking intent, determined to extend their advantage and put the contest beyond Somalia’s reach.
The Black Stars continued to dictate proceedings and were rewarded in the 62nd minute through a well-timed attacking move involving Mohammed Kudus and Felix Afena-Gyan.
Kudus released Afena-Gyan with an incisive pass, allowing the forward to drive towards goal before unleashing an effort that the Somali goalkeeper failed to handle cleanly.
The goalkeeper’s fumble allowed the ball to cross the line, handing Ghana their second goal of the afternoon and giving them greater control of the contest.
For Afena-Gyan, the strike was particularly significant as it represented his second goal in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, having also found the net against The Gambia in Ghana’s previous qualifying fixture.
The goal further underlined Ghana’s attacking superiority and eased the pressure on the home side after Ayew’s earlier penalty disappointment.
Black Stars Look to Complete Double Over Somalia
The victory represents an important first step towards repairing Ghana’s qualification campaign, with the Black Stars finally registering maximum points after a difficult start to their Group C assignment.
Beyond the three points, Ghana will take encouragement from another clean sheet against Somalia. The Black Stars have maintained their record of never conceding against the Ocean Stars, extending their defensive dominance over the East African side.
With the first victory secured, attention now turns to Monday’s return fixture at the same Essipong Stadium in Sekondi-Takoradi, where Ghana will again target maximum points.
Kofi Kyereh Makes Comeback
The victory was made even more memorable by the long-awaited return of Daniel-Kofi Kyereh to the Black Stars after four years away from the national team.
The midfielder replaced captain Jordan Ayew in the 75th minute, marking his first appearance for Ghana in four years and providing an emotional highlight for supporters at the Essipong Stadium.
His return offers another positive development for Ghana as they look to strengthen their options and rebuild momentum in the ongoing qualifying campaign.
The opportunity to collect six points from the two encounters could prove crucial in getting their qualification campaign back on track, particularly with the competition for the available places at the 2027 AFCON finals expected to intensify.
For Ghana, the immediate priority will be to reproduce the attacking authority displayed in the second half while maintaining the defensive discipline that has characterised their meetings with Somalia.
The Black Stars have taken an important step towards reviving their campaign. They must now ensure that Monday’s encounter delivers another positive result if their ambitions of reaching the continental showpiece are to remain firmly within reach.
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