First Three Points on Board for the Black Stars After a 2-0 Win

The relief around the Essipong Sports Stadium was almost tangible on Thursday afternoon. After a turbulent start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign—marked by two painful defeats and the dismissal of head coach Carlos Queiroz—the Black Stars finally found their footing, grinding out a crucial 2-0 victory over Somalia to claim their first three points of the group stage .

It was a win that tasted of redemption, ending a six-month winless drought that had left fans restless and the team’s qualification hopes hanging by a thread . Interim coach Kim Lars Björkegren, thrust into the spotlight, admitted the first half was a struggle against the Takoradi heat, but praised his side’s improved intensity after the break .

The breakthrough came just before halftime when defender Jonas Adjetey—a standout performer on the day—rose highest to nod home a clever knockdown from Mohammed Salisu . It was Adjetey’s first senior goal for Ghana, and he later dedicated the moment to his teammates’ unwavering support . The lead could have been greater, but captain Jordan Ayew saw his early penalty saved, a rare blemish on an otherwise resilient team performance .

The second half, however, belonged to the return of Mohammed Kudus. The Tottenham forward, making his first Black Stars appearance of 2026, was the catalyst Ghana had been missing. His driving run and precise through-ball released Felix Afena-Gyan, who coolly curled his finish past the Somali keeper in the 62nd minute to seal the contest .

While the margin of victory might not have satisfied the most demanding supporters—some of whom took to social media to lament the missed chances against a lower-ranked opponent —the significance of the result cannot be overstated. The clean sheet, orchestrated by the central pairing of Salisu and Adjetey, was Ghana’s first in this qualifying window, addressing the defensive frailties that had plagued their opening fixtures .

With the return leg against Somalia scheduled for Monday at the same venue, Björkegren’s men have little time to celebrate. The momentum is finally in their favor, but the margin for error remains razor-thin . For now, though, the Black Stars can breathe. The campaign is alive, the first three points are on the board, and the long wait for a victory is finally over.

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