AFCON 2027Q: Black Stars beat Somalia on return to Sekondi after 16 years

Ghana's national football team, known as the Black Stars, secured a 2-0 victory over Somalia in their return to the AFCON qualifiers at the Essipong Sports Stadium on November 12, 2027. This win marked the team's first triumph of the qualifiers following a 16-year absence from the tournament. Interim head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren fielded a strong lineup, including Mohammed Kudus, Mohammed Salisu, Jordan Ayew, and Thomas Partey.

The first half of the match was relatively quiet, with limited chances for either side. Ghana took the lead early in the second half through Adjetey's close-range header, ending a seemingly lifeless opening 45 minutes. Despite Ayew's missed penalty opportunity in the early stages, which was his first for the national team in ten attempts, the Black Stars capitalized on their subsequent chances.

Salisu's header came close to scoring the second goal, but his effort was just wide of the post. Ten minutes later, Felix Afena-Gyan sealed the victory with a well-executed solo goal, making it 2-0. The result propelled Ghana to third place in Group C, three points ahead of Somalia and three points behind Côte d'Ivoire and Gambia, whose matches were scheduled later in the day. The next fixture for Ghana is against Somalia on November 16 at the Essipong Stadium.