Black Stars under pressure to revive qualification hopes
Ghana's Black Stars will be desperate to secure their first victory in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers when they face Somalia at the Essipong Sports Stadium in Sekondi-Takoradi today.
The match kicks off at 3:00 p.m. GMT, with Ghana entering the encounter at the bottom of Group C following consecutive defeats in their opening two matches.
The four-time African champions suffered a 2–0 defeat against Côte d'Ivoire in Bouaké before losing 4–2 to The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium, despite initially taking a two-goal lead.
Those results have left Ghana without a point, while Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia lead the group with six points each ahead of today's fixtures.
New coach, returning stars and renewed hope
Interim head coach Kim Lars Björkegren has been tasked with turning Ghana's qualification campaign around following changes to the technical team.
The squad has received a boost with the return of captain Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus and Daniel-Kofi Kyereh. Defenders Mohammed Salisu and Alidu Seidu have also returned to strengthen the team.
Somalia are equally determined to secure their first points after losing their opening two matches.
The two countries will meet again on Monday, November 16, at the same stadium, with both matches scheduled for 3:00 p.m. GMT.
Fans urged to support the team
The Ghana Football Association has appealed to supporters to fill the Essipong Sports Stadium and rally behind the Black Stars.
Standard tickets cost GH₵50, while VVIP tickets are GH₵100. Students with valid identification cards can enter designated standing areas free of charge.
For Ghana, today's match is more than just another qualifier. With only the top two teams in Group C advancing to AFCON 2027, dropping further points could seriously damage the country's hopes of returning to the continental tournament.
