2027 AFCONQ: Black Stars beat sloppy Somalia at Essipong Stadium to revive hopes

Ghana revived their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a 2-0 victory over Somalia in their Matchday 3 encounter in Group C.

✅ 𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗟-𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘: Job done in Sekondi-Takoradi! Three points secured at the Essipong Stadium. 🏟️ 🇬🇭 Ghana 2️⃣-0️⃣ Somalia 🇸🇴 #BlackStars | #AFCON2027Q

The Black Stars went into Thursday’s match under pressure after suffering consecutive defeats against Ivory Coast and The Gambia in their opening two qualifiers.

Interim coach Kim Lars Björkegren named a strong starting line-up, with Thomas Partey, Mohammed Salisu, Mohammed Kudus and Jordan Ayew all featuring from the start.

Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare was handed the responsibility of guarding Ghana’s goal.

Ghana started brightly and enjoyed spells of possession in the opening 10 minutes but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities.

The four-time African champions were awarded a penalty in the 12th minute after Alidu Seidu was brought down inside Somalia’s penalty area.

Captain Jordan Ayew stepped up to take the spot-kick but saw his effort saved by the Somali goalkeeper, missing an early opportunity to put Ghana ahead.

Despite the setback, the Black Stars continued to dictate proceedings, with Ayew coming close to making amends, only to see his effort drift wide.

Somalia remained organised defensively, making it difficult for Ghana to penetrate their backline and forcing the hosts to resort to attempts from distance.

Ghana’s persistence eventually paid off in first-half stoppage time when Jonas Adjetey found the back of the net from a corner to give the Black Stars a 1-0 lead at the break.

The second half began with both teams enjoying periods of possession, but Ghana gradually regained control and threatened to extend their advantage.

Mohammed Salisu came close in the 50th minute, but his header from a corner was blocked.

The Black Stars eventually doubled their lead in the 62nd minute through Felix Afena-Gyan, putting them in a comfortable position.

Prince Adu Kwabena was introduced shortly afterwards, replacing the goalscorer as Ghana made changes to their attacking options.

Daniel-Kofi Kyereh and Ibrahim Sulemana were brought on in the 75th minute for Jordan Ayew and Alidu Seidu.

Kyereh, who was making his return to the national team after nearly four years away, almost marked his comeback with a goal, but his long-range effort was saved by the Somali goalkeeper.

Ghana continued to push for a third goal and were presented with another opportunity from a free-kick, but their effort failed to find the target.

Rahim Ibrahim and Brandon Thomas-Asante were also introduced, replacing Fatawu Issahaku and Caleb Yirenkyi.

The Black Stars maintained their attacking pressure in the closing stages but had to settle for a 2-0 victory.

The result lifts Ghana to third place in Group C with three points, although they remain on minus two goal difference.

The two sides will meet again on Monday, 16 November, at the Essipong Sports Stadium in the return fixture of the doubleheader.

Ghana are seeking a return to the continental showpiece, which will be hosted in East Africa in 2027, after missing out on the previous edition in Morocco.