Ghana’s Black Stars have delivered a much-needed response to their disappointing start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, overcoming Somalia 2-0 in their crucial Group C encounter at the Essipong Sports Stadium in Sekondi-Takoradi on Thursday, November 12, 2026.
The four-time African champions entered the contest under enormous pressure after suffering consecutive defeats against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia, leaving their qualification ambitions hanging in the balance.
Ghana dominated possession from the opening stages, pushing forward in search of an early breakthrough.
Captain Jordan Ayew had a golden opportunity to put the Black Stars ahead in the 14th minute after Ghana were awarded a penalty.
However, the experienced forward failed to convert, leaving the home supporters frustrated as Somalia continued to resist Ghana’s attacking pressure.
Despite the disappointment, the Black Stars maintained their attacking momentum and eventually broke the deadlock through defender Jonas Adjetey in first-half stoppage time.
The goal provided a timely boost for Ghana, allowing the team to head into the halftime break with a slender advantage.
Ghana continued to dictate proceedings after the restart, with Somalia struggling to contain the home side’s attacking movements.
Former AS Roma forward Felix Afena-Gyan doubled Ghana’s advantage in the 62nd minute, giving the Black Stars a comfortable two-goal cushion.
The second goal reflected Ghana’s superiority as the hosts controlled possession and created several scoring opportunities throughout the encounter.
For interim head coach Kim Lars Björkegren, the performance represented an encouraging response after taking charge of a national team struggling for consistency.
The result also provided renewed optimism for Ghanaian football supporters, who have grown increasingly concerned about the country’s prospects of qualifying for another major continental tournament.
Having missed the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, Ghana are determined to avoid another embarrassing qualification failure.
The Black Stars will now turn their attention to the return encounter against Somalia on Monday, November 16, knowing that another positive result could strengthen their chances of progressing from Group C.
For Ghana, the convincing performance offered a welcome reminder of the team’s potential, but the battle to secure qualification for AFCON 2027 remains far from over.
