Ghana vs Somalia: Confirmed Black Stars Line-up for AFCON 2027 Qualifier

Interim Black Stars coach Kim Lars Björkegren has named his starting XI for the 2027 AFCON qualifier against Somalia in Sekondi-TakoradiMohammed Kudus returned to the Black Stars lineup for the first time in 2026 after recovering from injury, taking an attacking midfield roleGhana enter the fixture without a point in Group C, having lost their opening two qualifiers to Côte d'Ivoire and The GambiaPAY ATTENTION: Mark YEN.com.gh as a preferred source, and our content will appear higher in your Google feed!

Kim Lars Björkegren has confirmed his starting lineup for Ghana's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Somalia at the Essipong Stadium in Sekondi-Takoradi, with five changes from the side that last featured against The Gambia on 29 September.

The Swedish tactician's most notable selection is the return of Mohammed Kudus, who makes his first Black Stars appearance of 2026 following a spell on the sidelines through injury.

The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder slots into an attacking midfield position in a 4-2-3-1 formation, taking the place vacated by Ernest Nuamah.

Ghana vs Somalia: Everything to know ahead of AFCON 2027 qualifier today

Ghana vs Somalia: Confirmed Black Stars Lineup for AFCON 2027 Qualifier Source: Getty ImagesGhana's confirmed starting XIBenjamin Asare retains the goalkeeper's jersey ahead of Lawrence Ati-Zigi, continuing from his recent run in the national team.

In defence, Alidu Seidu comes in for Kojo Oppong Peprah, while Mohammed Salisu replaces Jerome Opoku at centre-back alongside Jonas Adjetey and Gideon Mensah. Thomas Partey, who steps in for Kwasi Sibo, partners Caleb Yirenkyi in central midfield.

Kudus is flanked by Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Felix Afena-Gyan in the attacking third, with captain Jordan Ayew leading the line in place of Brandon Thomas-Asante.

Benjamin Asare (GK); Alidu Seidu, Caleb Yirenkyi, Jonas Adjetey, Mohammed Salisu, Gideon Mensah; Thomas Partey, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Mohammed Kudus; Felix Afena-Gyan, Jordan Ayew (captain).

Among the substitutes is Daniel Kofi Kyereh, whose inclusion marks a continued step in his return to the national fold after nearly four years away.

Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Joseph Anang, Jerome Opoku, Ibrahim Sulemana, Augustine Boakye and Brandon Thomas-Asante are also available from the bench.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: How Ghana could line up against Somalia

The qualifier carries significant weight for Ghana.

The four-time African champions sit bottom of Group C without a point after defeats to Côte d'Ivoire (2-0) and The Gambia (4-2) in their opening two fixtures, making a positive result against Somalia essential to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Historical records offer some encouragement for the hosts. Ghana's two previous senior encounters with Somalia both resulted in comfortable victories, with a 2-0 win and a 5-0 triumph recorded during the November 2003 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

Earlier, YEN.com.gh previewed Ghana’s crucial showdown with Somalia and outlined the available live broadcast options for supporters.

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Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe (Sports Editor) Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe is a CAF-accredited journalist with over five years of experience in digital journalism. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Integrated Rural Arts and Industry (2016). Godwin’s career includes covering the 2023 AFCON and grassroots competitions within Ghana. He has also served as a Presenter at VNTV, a Sports Analyst at Obonu FM, and a Football Writer for a myriad of sports websites. He joined Yen.com.gh in 2024 to cover sports. Email: godwin.tagoe@yen.com.gh.