Ghana Face Somalia in a Must-Watch AFCON Test

Ghana’s hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) face a crucial test today, November 12, as the Black Stars host Somalia in a must-win Group C encounter at the Essipong Sports Stadium in Sekondi-Takoradi. With their qualification campaign already under pressure following two disappointing defeats, Ghana cannot afford another setback.
The four-time African champions are desperate to return to the continental competition after missing the 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco. Today's encounter offers them an opportunity to revive their campaign, restore confidence among supporters and demonstrate that they still have what it takes to compete among Africa's best.

Why the Match Matters

Ghana's journey towards AFCON 2027 has been far from impressive. The Black Stars began their qualifying campaign with a 2-0 defeat against Côte d'Ivoire before suffering a shocking 4-2 home loss to The Gambia, despite taking an early two-goal advantage.
Those results have left Ghana without a point after two matches, placing them at the bottom of Group C. Both Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia have collected six points from their opening fixtures.
The match against Somalia is therefore extremely important. Ghana need victories in their remaining qualifying matches to stand a realistic chance of securing a place at the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda in 2027.
Today's match is also the first of a double-header between the two countries, with the return fixture scheduled for November 16. Winning both encounters would give Ghana six valuable points and significantly improve their position in the group.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 3:00 p.m. GMT

Key Players Return to Boost Ghana

One major positive for Ghana heading into the encounter is the return of several experienced players to the national team.
Captain Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus, Thomas Partey and Mohammed Salisu are among the notable names returning to strengthen the Black Stars.
Jordan Ayew's return provides leadership, experience and attacking options after missing the previous qualifiers because of a groin injury.
Mohammed Kudus is another important addition. The Tottenham Hotspur forward brings creativity, pace, technical ability and the capacity to produce decisive moments in attack. His return is particularly encouraging after an injury kept him out of Ghana's national team activities throughout 2026.
Thomas Partey is expected to provide stability and control in midfield, while Mohammed Salisu's return should strengthen a defence that conceded six goals in its opening two matches.
Daniel-Kofi Kyereh and Alidu Seidu are also among the returning players, giving interim coach Kim Lars Björkegren additional options as he prepares for his first competitive assignment with the Black Stars.
The return of these experienced players could make a significant difference, particularly in a match where Ghana are expected to take the initiative.

What a Win or Slip Could Mean

A victory would be a major boost for Ghana's confidence and qualification ambitions. It would give the team its first three points, reduce pressure on the coaching staff and provide a foundation for the return encounter on November 16.
However, another disappointing result could leave the Black Stars facing an uphill battle. Dropping points against Somalia would increase the pressure on the team and make qualification increasingly difficult, especially with difficult fixtures against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia still ahead.
For interim coach Björkegren, the encounter is also an opportunity to establish his authority and demonstrate that he can restore discipline, organisation and belief within the squad.
Somalia should not be underestimated. Despite their struggles, they will also be desperate for their first points and could prove difficult opponents if Ghana fail to convert their chances.
The Black Stars must therefore combine attacking ambition with defensive discipline. They need to avoid the mistakes that cost them valuable points in their previous matches.

The Road Ahead

With experienced players returning, home supporters expected to provide encouragement and qualification hopes hanging in the balance, Ghana have every reason to approach this encounter with determination.
The Black Stars know that their reputation alone will not guarantee victory. They must prove their quality on the pitch through commitment, teamwork and clinical finishing.
For Ghana, this is more than an ordinary qualifying fixture. It is an opportunity to restore national pride, rebuild confidence and keep alive the dream of returning to the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027.
The message is simple: Ghana need results, and the journey back to AFCON must begin with victory over Somalia.