There is still hope to qualify for 2027 AFCON – Afena Gyan ahead of Somalia games

Black Stars forward Felix Afena-Gyan believes Ghana can still secure qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) despite suffering defeats in their opening two matches.

Ghana have endured a difficult start to their qualifying campaign, losing back-to-back matches against Ivory Coast and The Gambia to leave them without a point after two games.

The Black Stars will now look to revive their qualification hopes when they face Somalia in a double-header this month.

Afena-Gyan, who is expected to feature in the squad for the two encounters, has urged supporters not to lose faith in the team, insisting it is too early to rule Ghana out of the competition.

Speaking to Africa4Sports, the forward called on fans to turn up in their numbers to support the team as they seek to get their campaign back on track.

“They [the fans] should come in their numbers to support us. We are going to give our best,” he said.

“There is always hope [that we can qualify for the AFCON]. It’s a mistake to rule us out. Losing the two matches doesn’t mean anything. Nothing is out of hand.”

The forward was among Ghana’s goalscorers in their 4-2 defeat to The Gambia during the previous international break, a result that compounded the team’s disappointing start to the qualifiers.

Ghana will host Somalia at the Essipong Sports Stadium in Sekondi on Thursday, November 12, before travelling for the return fixture on Monday, November 16.