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

Ghana hosts Somalia at Essipong Stadium on Thursday as interim coach Kim Lars Björkegren takes charge of his first matchThe Black Stars arrive at the fixture on a run of five games without a win, including a 4-2 defeat to The Gambia last monthLawrence Ati-Zigi, Thomas Partey and Mohammed Kudus are among the players tipped to start in the must-win fixturePAY ATTENTION: Mark YEN.com.gh as a preferred source, and our content will appear higher in your Google feed!

Ghana faces Somalia in the opening leg of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification doubleheader at the Essipong Stadium on Thursday, November 12, with interim head coach Kim Lars Björkegren taking charge of his first competitive fixture.

The Black Stars head into the match under considerable pressure following a torrid run of results.

Despite Somalia sitting 200th in the FIFA world rankings, Ghana's recent form means complacency would be a risk the interim coach is unlikely to take.

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The Black Stars also missed the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, heightening the significance of securing a place at the next edition, to be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

With the squad already in Takoradi ahead of the fixture, YEN.com.gh predicts Björkegren could name the following starting line-up:

Lawrence Ati-Zigi in goal; a back four of Alidu Seidu, Jonas Adjetey, Jerome Opoku and Gideon Mensah; a midfield trio of Thomas Partey, Caleb Yirenkyi and Ibrahim Sulemana; and an attacking line of Mohammed Kudus, Felix Afena-Gyan and Jordan Ayew.

Ati-Zigi is expected to retain the goalkeeper's jersey after sitting out the 4-2 loss to The Gambia, while Seidu and Mensah operate as attacking full-backs to provide width. Adjetey and Opoku are tipped to anchor the central defensive partnership.

Partey's composure and reading of the game are likely to anchor the midfield, with Yirenkyi and Sulemana tasked with providing energy on either side.

In attack, Kudus is predicted to operate from the right flank, using his creativity to unsettle Somalia's defensive structure, while Afena-Gyan brings pace through the central channel.

Captain Jordan Ayew is expected to lead the line, with his experience seen as important for a squad that needs a steadying influence amid a confidence crisis.

Björkegren's immediate priority will be unlocking Ghana's attacking potential and converting pressure into goals.

YEN.com.gh earlier reported that a video circulating on social media captured an alleged clash between security personnel and members of Somalia’s national team ahead of the fixture.

The visitors reportedly had permission to use the University of Ghana’s stadium facilities before security officers ordered them to leave during training.

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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.