2027 AFCONQ: Black Stars beat sloppy Somalia at Essipong Stadium to revive hopes

Ghana secured a 2-0 victory over Somalia in their Group C match during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, reviving their hopes of qualifying for the continental showpiece. Hosted at the Essipong Stadium, the Black Stars emerged victorious, lifting them to third place in Group C with three points. Interim coach Kim Lars Björkegren fielded a strong lineup, including Thomas Partey, Mohammed Salisu, Mohammed Kudus, and Jordan Ayew.

Despite suffering two consecutive defeats against Ivory Coast and The Gambia, Ghana's new coach named a formidable starting XI. Both teams struggled to create clear-cut opportunities in the early stages of the match, with Ghana earning a penalty in the 12th minute after Alidu Seidu was fouled. Captain Jordan Ayew stepped up to take the spot-kick but missed the target.

Ghana capitalized on this mistake by adding a goal in first-half stoppage time through Jonas Adjetey's corner kick. The second half saw both sides enjoying periods of possession, but Ghana gradually regained control, scoring Felix Afena-Gyan's penalty in the 62nd minute. The Black Stars' attacking lineup was bolstered by Prince Adu Kwabena's substitution in the 62nd minute, while Daniel-Kofi Kyereh and Ibrahim Sulemana came on in the 75th minute for Jordan Ayew and Alidu Seidu.

Despite Ghana's efforts, the match ended with a 2-0 victory, lifting them to third place in Group C, though they remain on minus two goal difference. The Black Stars will face Somalia again on Monday, 16 November, at the Essipong Sports Stadium in the return fixture of the doubleheader.