Somalia Accuses Ghana Of Intimidation After Training Session Is Interrupted

A training-ground disagreement has emerged ahead of Ghana’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Somalia, with the visiting team’s officials reportedly accusing their hosts of intimidation after security personnel interrupted a practice session.

The incident occurred at the University of Ghana Stadium, where the Somali national team had been training in preparation for the upcoming encounter.

According to former Ghana Football Association Communications Director Ibrahim Sannie Daara, security officials entered the venue and instructed the players to leave the pitch. They were also seen collecting the equipment the team had been using, prompting some Somali players to approach them for an explanation.

The interruption reportedly left the visiting squad confused about why they were being asked to stop their session.

An explanation was later provided that the Somali team had been granted permission to train on a separate pitch within the stadium complex, not on the main playing field. Security personnel therefore redirected the squad to the designated training area.

Although the misunderstanding was eventually resolved and the team was able to continue its preparations at the approved venue, the handling of the situation reportedly did not sit well with the Somali delegation.

Daara revealed that officials from Somalia expressed dissatisfaction and accused Ghana of using the incident as a form of intimidation before the two countries meet in the AFCON 2027 qualifiers.

The episode has added an unexpected talking point to preparations for a fixture that carries considerable importance for both national teams.

Ghana are scheduled to host Somalia at the Essipong Stadium on Thursday, November 12, 2026. The two sides will meet again in the return fixture on November 16.

Both teams are seeking their first victory after suffering defeats in their opening two matches of the qualifying campaign. The results of the double-header could therefore have a major impact on their efforts to remain in contention for qualification.

For Ghana, the immediate focus will be on securing a home victory, while Somalia will also be hoping to turn their campaign around.

However, the training-ground incident has brought attention to the atmosphere surrounding the fixture even before the teams take to the pitch.

The stadium officials’ explanation indicates that the interruption was related to the allocation of training facilities, while the Somali delegation’s reported complaint concerns how the situation was handled.

Source: https://x.com/theghanaweb/status/2120457725582704886?s=46

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