Ghana’s Black Stars face a defining test of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification ambitions when they host Somalia in a crucial Group C encounter at the Essipong Sports Stadium in Sekondi-Takoradi on Thursday, November 12.
The fixture offers the four-time African champions an opportunity to revive their campaign after a disappointing start that has left them bottom of the group without a point.
Ghana opened with a 2-0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké before suffering a damaging 4-2 home loss to The Gambia, despite taking an early two-goal lead. Defensive lapses and a second-half collapse proved costly, leaving the Black Stars under pressure to deliver in the upcoming double-header.
Somalia have also lost both their opening matches, going down 2-1 to The Gambia before suffering a 2-0 defeat against Côte d’Ivoire. They are level on zero points with Ghana, making Thursday’s meeting particularly important for both sides.
The Black Stars can draw confidence from their historical advantage over the Ocean Stars. The two countries have met twice, during the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign in 2003, with Ghana winning 5-0 away before recording a 2-0 home victory. Ghana have therefore scored seven goals without conceding in their previous encounters, even though like this occasion, both ties were played in Ghana.
A Black Stars interim technical team led by Swedish coach Kim Lars Björkegren are tasked with turning around the team’s fortunes following Carlos Queiroz’s departure. Former Ghana international Ibrahim Tanko and Godwin Attram will serve as assistant coaches, with Fatawu Dauda as goalkeepers’ coach.
Attention will also focus on the possible return of established players, particularly captain Jordan Ayew and playmaker Mohammed Kudus. Their experience, leadership and attacking quality could provide a timely boost as Ghana seek greater creativity and composure. Other senior players, including Alexander Djiku, could also strengthen the squad. However, their inclusion will depend on the final selection and availability.
With Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia already on six points, Ghana cannot afford another setback if they are to remain in contention for one of the group’s two qualifying places.
The return fixture is scheduled for Monday, November 16, also at Essipong, offering Ghana the chance to collect six points from the two matches.
For the Black Stars, the assignment is clear: rediscover their winning form, make home advantage count and reignite their quest for a place at the 2027 AFCON, to be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.