Björkegren backs Ghana to beat Somalia again and revive AFCON hopes

CITISPORTSONLINE.COM • 16m ago

Mohammed Kudus in action in the first leg against Somalia

Black Stars interim coach Kim Lars Björkegren says Ghana must defeat Somalia again on Monday to secure all six points from their November double-header and revive their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Ghana host the Ocean Stars at the Essipong Sports Stadium in Sekondi following their 2-0 victory in Thursday’s first meeting, with Jonas Adjetey and Felix Afena-Gyan finding the net.

The result gave the Black Stars their first points in Group C after opening defeats against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia left them under pressure in the race for qualification.

Björkegren believes his players have the quality to reach the next AFCON but insists another victory is essential to restoring their campaign.

“The most important thing is to make sure we take six points in this camp,” he said.

🎥 🇬🇭 “We did well in the first game, but we have to do better tomorrow.”

Black Stars interim coach Kim Lars Björkegren ahead of Monday’s clash against Somalia at the Essipong Stadium.

— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) November 15, 2026

The Swedish tactician wants Ghana to maintain the energy they showed in the second half of the first encounter while improving their ability to convert scoring opportunities.

“I do think the most important thing is to start strongly and take our chances. Then maybe we can think about scoring three goals or more,” he added.

Björkegren also expressed confidence in the potential within his squad, suggesting that Ghana could compete for the title if they secure qualification for the tournament.

“The potential in the group is huge and so high, and I think if we qualify for the AFCON, we can go all the way. But it’s so hard to do, and hopefully, we can win tomorrow to make it six points and get back on track,” he said.

🎥 🇬🇭 “The players are recovering well, but there will probably be some changes.”

Black Stars interim coach Kim Lars Björkegren on the injury situation ahead of Monday’s clash against Somalia at the Essipong Stadium.

— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) November 15, 2026

The coach had earlier praised his team’s second-half performance against Somalia but acknowledged that Ghana could have scored more after creating several opportunities.

The Black Stars will now look to build on that performance and claim another victory in front of their home supporters.

With their qualification hopes requiring a strong response after September’s setbacks, Monday’s encounter represents another important opportunity for Ghana to move closer to the leading teams in Group C.

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