Ghana Face Somalia in Crucial Test in 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers

Ghana host Somalia today in a Group C match in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with both teams seeking their first points after losing their opening two matches. Ghana sit bottom of the group without a point after defeats to Ivory Coast and Gambia, while Somalia have also lost twice, to Gambia and Ivory Coast.

Ghana head into the match after a 2-0 defeat to Ivory Coast, followed by a 4-2 home loss to Gambia despite taking a two-goal lead through Ernest Nuamah and Felix Afena-Gyan. The results contributed to coach Carlos Queiroz's departure, and Kim Lars Björkegren has taken charge of the coaching staff on an interim basis for the November matches, assisted by Ibrahim Tanko and Godwin Attram, while Fatau Dauda is the goalkeeping coach.

Ghana's options have been strengthened by the return of captain Jordan Ayew after recovering from an upper-thigh injury, and the return of Mohammed Kudus, as well as the recall of Daniel-Kofi Kyereh after four years away. Defenders Mohammed Salisu and Alidu Seidu have also returned, while Thomas Partey, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Ernest Nuamah and Brandon Thomas-Asante are also available to the coaching staff.

Somalia, coached by Yusuf Ali Nur, lost 2-1 to Gambia and 2-0 to Ivory Coast, and hope to take advantage of their opponents' struggles to claim their first points. Their squad of 23 players includes defender Abel Gigli and winger Zakaria Hassan.

Ivory Coast and Gambia lead the group with six points each, and the top two teams qualify for the finals, which will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The source says the return match between Ghana and Somalia is scheduled for Monday, 16 November, at the same stadium.