Ghana’s Black Stars have revived their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following a 2-0 victory over Somalia in their Matchday 3 Group C encounter at the Essipong Stadium.
The victory comes as a major relief for Ghana, who went into Thursday’s fixture under pressure after suffering consecutive defeats against Ivory Coast and The Gambia in their opening two qualifying matches.
Interim coach Kim Lars Björkegren named a strong starting line-up, featuring Thomas Partey, Mohammed Salisu, Mohammed Kudus and captain Jordan Ayew. Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare was selected to guard Ghana’s goal.
The Black Stars started brightly, enjoying possession in the opening minutes but struggling to create clear-cut scoring opportunities.
Ghana were awarded a penalty in the 12th minute after Alidu Seidu was brought down inside Somalia’s penalty area. However, captain Jordan Ayew failed to convert the spot-kick, with the Somali goalkeeper making a crucial save.
Despite the missed opportunity, Ghana continued to dominate possession, with Ayew coming close again but sending his effort wide.
Somalia remained compact defensively, frustrating the hosts and forcing them to rely on attempts from distance.
Ghana eventually broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time when Jonas Adjetey scored from a corner to give the Black Stars a 1-0 advantage at the break.
The second half began with both teams enjoying spells of possession, but Ghana gradually regained control and continued searching for another goal.
Mohammed Salisu came close in the 50th minute, but his header from a corner was blocked.
The Black Stars doubled their lead in the 62nd minute through Felix Afena-Gyan, putting Ghana in a comfortable position.
Prince Adu Kwabena was introduced shortly afterwards, replacing the goalscorer as the technical team made changes to the attacking set-up.
In the 75th minute, Daniel-Kofi Kyereh and Ibrahim Sulemana came on for Jordan Ayew and Alidu Seidu.
Kyereh, making his return to the national team after nearly four years, 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 but failed to convert their remaining opportunities. Rahim Ibrahim and Brandon Thomas-Asante were also introduced, replacing Fatawu Issahaku and Caleb Yirenkyi.
The Black Stars maintained their pressure until the final whistle but settled for a 2-0 win.
The result moves Ghana to third place in Group C with three points, although they remain on a minus-two goal difference.
The two sides are scheduled to meet again on Monday, November 16, at the Essipong Stadium in the return fixture.
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.
