2027 AFCONQ: CAR referee to officiate Ghana v Somalia game at Essipong Stadium

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has selected Central African Republic referee Andre Onesime Kolissala-Mbangui to preside over Ghana's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Somalia. The Black Stars are set to host Somalia in the third matchday game at the Essipong Sports Stadium on November 12, with the kickoff set for 15:00 GMT.

Kolissala-Mbangui will be supported by his compatriot Bozoy Oriya Zaoubaye Wilfried De, named Assistant Referee I, and Equatorial Guinea's Juan Ngua Nguema Eleng, appointed as Assistant Referee II. Gerson Adolfo Mico Esono Angono from Equatorial Guinea has been designated as the Fourth Official, while Nigeria's Mohammed Sanusi will act as the Match Commissioner, and Mali's Dramane Dante will be the Referee Assessor.

Ghanaian official Danny Adotey has been appointed as the Broadcast Venue Manager for the match. This assignment holds significant importance for Ghana, who are striving to revive their qualifying campaign following a poor start in Group C. The Black Stars have lost their first two matches against Ivory Coast and The Gambia, leaving them at the bottom of the group without any points.

Their loss to The Gambia, following a 2-0 defeat to Ivory Coast, further complicates their prospects of qualifying for the tournament. With Somalia as their next opponent, the four-time African champions will be under immense pressure to secure maximum points and keep their hopes of reaching the 2027 AFCON alive.