Ghana beat Somalia 2-0 to revive AFCON Qualification hopes

Ghana revived their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign with a 2-0 victory over Somalia in their opening Group C match of the November international window. 

The win also ended the Black Stars’ five-match winless run and gave interim coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren a winning start in competitive football.

Ghana had an opportunity to take an early lead in the 14th minute after Alidu Seidu was brought down in the penalty area. 

However, captain Jordan Ayew failed to convert the resulting spot-kick. The hosts continued to dominate proceedings before defender Jonas Adjetey broke the deadlock just before half-time.

The Black Stars doubled their advantage in the 62nd minute through Felix Afena-Gyan, who finished off a move created by Mohammed Kudus. Somalia struggled to respond as Ghana comfortably managed their two-goal lead to secure all three points.

The victory comes as an important response to Ghana’s successive defeats against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia. 

The Black Stars will face Somalia again on Monday at the same venue in Sekondi-Takoradi, with another victory set to strengthen their position in the race to qualify for the 2027 AFCON in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Elsewhere, Nigeria will host the Taifa Stars at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, November 13, before travelling to Zanzibar for the return fixture on Tuesday, November 17. 

The Super Eagles are currently second in Group L with three points from two matches, having beaten Madagascar 2-1 and lost 3-0 to Guinea-Bissau.

The Super Eagles have completed their camp in Uyo, with all 24 invited players arriving by Wednesday after some travel delays. 

Tanzania, who have already qualified for the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts, also arrived in Uyo on Tuesday ahead of Friday’s encounter.

Nigeria currently sit second and have three points from two matches with a 2-1 win over Madagascar and a 3-0 loss to Guinea Bissau in September.

Guinea Bissau held Madagascar to a 1-1 draw on Thursday to remain top of Group L with 7 points.