Category: Sports / Ghana Football
Date: Thursday, November 12, 2026

Ghana's Black Stars have finally secured their first victory in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign after defeating Somalia 2–0 at the Essipong Sports Stadium in Sekondi-Takoradi on Thursday afternoon.

Goals from defender Jonas Adjetey and forward Felix Afena-Gyan were enough to hand Ghana all three points in a crucial Group C encounter.

The victory comes as a major relief for the four-time African champions, who entered the match under pressure after losing their opening two qualifiers against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia.

Despite missing an early penalty, the Black Stars maintained their attacking momentum and eventually found the breakthrough before half-time.

Jordan Ayew Misses Early Penalty

Ghana began the encounter strongly, controlling possession and creating several opportunities against a defensively organised Somali side.

The Black Stars had a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 14th minute after Alidu Seidu was brought down inside the penalty area.

Captain Jordan Ayew stepped forward to take the penalty but failed to convert, with the Somali goalkeeper stopping his effort.

The missed opportunity briefly frustrated the home supporters, but Ghana continued to press forward in search of an opening goal.

Somalia remained compact defensively, making it difficult for the Black Stars to create clear-cut chances despite enjoying much of the possession.

Jonas Adjetey Breaks the Deadlock

Ghana's persistence finally paid off just before half-time when defender Jonas Adjetey scored from a well-executed set-piece.

Mohammed Kudus delivered a corner into the penalty area, with Mohammed Salisu helping the ball into a dangerous position.

Adjetey rose above the Somali defenders to power home a header, giving Ghana a 1–0 advantage heading into the interval.

The goal provided a much-needed confidence boost for the Black Stars, who had struggled to convert their opportunities earlier in the match.

Felix Afena-Gyan Doubles Ghana's Lead

The Black Stars returned from the break determined to extend their advantage.

Somalia continued to defend in numbers while occasionally attempting to threaten Ghana through counterattacks.

However, Ghana's attacking pressure eventually produced a second goal in the 61st minute.

Jordan Ayew initiated the move by finding Mohammed Kudus, who supplied Felix Afena-Gyan with an opportunity inside the attacking area.

The forward finished confidently to double Ghana's lead and put the Black Stars firmly in control.

Ghana continued pushing for additional goals, with Daniel-Kofi Kyereh forcing a save from the Somali goalkeeper in the closing stages.

The Black Stars held on comfortably to secure a 2–0 victory and their first clean sheet of the qualifying campaign.

Ghana Move Up to Third in Group C

The result moves Ghana to three points from three matches, lifting the Black Stars to third place in Group C immediately after the final whistle.

Ghana had previously suffered a 2–0 defeat to Côte d'Ivoire and a 4–2 loss to The Gambia, leaving them without a point before Thursday's encounter.

The victory therefore represents an important step towards reviving their qualification hopes.

Interim head coach Kim Lars Björkegren will also take encouragement from the result, which marks his first competitive victory in charge of the senior national team.

The return of experienced players, including Mohammed Kudus, Jordan Ayew and Mohammed Salisu, provided an important boost to the squad.

Black Stars Face Somalia Again on Monday

Ghana will now turn their attention to the reverse fixture against Somalia on Monday, November 16, 2026, at the same Essipong Sports Stadium.

Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. GMT.

Another victory would take Ghana to six points and further strengthen their hopes of securing qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

For now, the Black Stars can celebrate a much-needed victory after a difficult start to their qualifying campaign.

Final score: Ghana 2–0 Somalia.