Ghana end long AFCON qualifying drought with win over Somalia

The Black Stars have finally got what they were waiting for. In a Ghana AFCON qualifier on Thursday, they beat Somalia 2-0 at the Essipong Sports Stadium in Sekondi-Takoradi. The result means the Ghana winless run ends after a wait that stretched back to November 2023.
##The result and opponents
Jonas Adjetey gave Ghana an early lead in the dying minutes of the first half before Felix Afena-Gyan found the back of the net in the 62nd minute after a chance created by Mohammed Kudus. Captain Jordan Ayew had earlier missed a 13th-minute penalty, which Somalia’s goalkeeper saved. It was a much-needed win after losing to both Ivory Coast and The Gambia in Group C. The win also marks Kim Lars Björkegren’s first competitive game as caretaker coach.
##Why the drought mattered to fans
Ghana are four-time African champions, and the wait lasted 37 months, which was frustrating especially as they missed out on the 2025 AFCON in Morocco. This was the first time they had missed out on a tournament since 2004. The win against a team deep down the rankings was a great relief to fans who have grown accustomed to seeing them compete in the biggest competition on the continent.
##What this could mean going forward
The three points moves Ghana up to third place in Group C. Ivory Coast are top on nine points while The Gambia sit on six. Ghana are third on three points while Somalia remain on zero. Only the top two teams qualify for the 2027 tournament in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. However, the gap is still very narrow. They will go head-to-head once again against Somalia on Monday and they will be playing at home. However, the team performed poorly according to AFP. Despite this, it is important to note that they have ended their long wait.