Ghana’s Black Stars will seek to revive their faltering 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign when they host Somalia at the Essipong Sports Stadium in Sekondi-Takoradi on Thursday afternoon, with the opening encounter of a crucial double-header offering the four-time African champions an opportunity to get their campaign back on track.
The Matchday Three Group C fixture, scheduled for a 3:00 p.m. GMT kick-off, comes at a critical juncture for Ghana, who have suffered consecutive defeats in their opening two qualifying matches against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia.
A 2-0 defeat to the Ivorians in Bouaké was followed by a damaging 4-2 home loss to The Gambia in Accra, despite the Black Stars establishing a two-goal advantage. Those results have left Ghana fourth in Group C with no points, while Somalia occupy third position, also without a point, on goal difference.
Consequently, both encounters against the Ocean Stars have been widely regarded by Ghanaian football supporters as must-win fixtures, with the Black Stars having little room for further mistakes if they are to keep their qualification ambitions alive.
Having missed the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, their first absence from the continental showpiece since 2004, Ghana are under considerable pressure to avoid another disappointing qualifying campaign.
Interim head coach Kim Lars Björkegren and his technical team, comprising former Ghana international Ibrahim Tanko, Godwin Attram and goalkeepers’ trainer Fatawu Dauda, face an important assignment as they attempt to restore confidence and direction to a side that has struggled for consistency.
Key Returns Strengthen Ghana’s Hand
The return of several established internationals offers a significant boost ahead of Thursday’s encounter, with Björkegren naming a 26-man squad that combines experienced foreign-based players with emerging talents from the Ghana Premier League.
Mohammed Kudus headlines the returning contingent, with the Tottenham Hotspur forward set to make his first appearance for the Black Stars in 2026 after an injury ruled him out of the FIFA World Cup earlier this year.
Captain Jordan Ayew, midfielder Thomas Partey and defender Mohammed Salisu are also back in contention after missing Ghana’s opening qualifying assignments. German-based midfielder Daniel-Kofi Kyereh has earned his first national team call-up in four years following a prolonged injury absence, while defender Alidu Seidu also returns.
Björkegren has further rewarded domestic performances with maiden call-ups for Asante Kotoko defender Musa Hamzata, FC Samartex left-back Isaac Afful and Medeama SC duo Emmanuel Annor and Etse Dogli.
Their availability provides the interim coach with additional options across the pitch, particularly as Ghana attempt to address the defensive shortcomings that contributed to conceding six goals in their opening two matches.
Kudus offers the attacking creativity and individual brilliance to unlock stubborn defences, while Partey’s experience and ability to dictate proceedings in midfield could prove essential in establishing control. Ayew’s leadership and attacking contributions will also be important, while Salisu’s return strengthens a defensive unit in need of greater organisation and composure.
However, the presence of established names alone will not guarantee a turnaround. Ghana must demonstrate greater defensive discipline, attacking efficiency and the ability to manage matches, particularly after surrendering a two-goal advantage against The Gambia.
Somalia’s Record Offers Ghana Encouragement
On paper, Ghana enter the encounter with a considerable historical advantage over their opponents.
The Ocean Stars, ranked 200th in the Coca-Cola FIFA World Rankings and fall 130 places below Ghana, have struggled to establish themselves as a competitive force in African football. They have not recorded a competitive victory within regulation time since 2019 with their most recent wins in normal time coming in two international friendly matches against Bahrain in 2025.
Also, the Black Stars hold a commanding advantage in their head-to-head record against Somalia. The two nations last met in 2003, with the Black Stars winning both encounters, recording 2-0 and 5-0 victories to establish an aggregate advantage of seven goals without conceding.
That history, coupled with Somalia’s struggles in competitive football, makes Ghana favourites heading into Thursday’s meeting.
Nevertheless, the Ocean Stars should not be dismissed, having shown considerable fighting spirit in their opening qualifiers, including a difficult contest against Côte d’Ivoire.
Under head coach Yusuf Ali Nur, Somalia will equally view the double-header as an opportunity to register their first points and potentially complicate Ghana’s qualification ambitions.
The Black Stars will also be conscious of their own recent competitive form, having gone four matches without a victory, stretching back to their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
Côte d’Ivoire Results Could Shape Qualification Race
Beyond securing maximum points against Somalia, Ghana’s qualification calculations will also be influenced by the outcome of the other Group C encounters between Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia.
Both sides have made perfect starts to the campaign, collecting six points each from their opening two matches and establishing a six-point advantage over Ghana and Somalia.
The Ivorians and Gambians are scheduled to meet twice during the November international window, creating an important opportunity for Ghana to reduce the gap at the top of the standings.
Ideally, the Black Stars would want Côte d’Ivoire to collect maximum points from both encounters against The Gambia. Such an outcome, combined with six points from Ghana’s two matches against Somalia, would bring the Black Stars level with The Gambia on six points and significantly improve their position in the qualification race.
However, Ghana cannot afford to rely entirely on results elsewhere. With four matches remaining after the November double-header, the Black Stars need to rediscover the consistency required to compete for one of the group’s two qualification places.
The decision to stage both encounters in Takoradi also presents an opportunity for the national team to reconnect with supporters in the Western Region, with the Ghana Football Association urging fans to fill the Essipong Sports Stadium. The Black Stars’ arrival in the region has already generated excitement, as senior national team football returns outside Accra after nearly two decades.
For Björkegren and his technical team, the immediate objective is clear: deliver six points against Somalia and give Ghana’s troubled qualification campaign a much-needed revival. The first assignment comes on Thursday, November 12, before the two sides meet again on Monday, November 16, at the same venue.
With the possibility of missing consecutive AFCON tournaments becoming a growing concern, Ghana must turn their renewed squad strength into results. There is little room for another slip-up.
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