2027 2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Black Stars must focus on Somalia double-header to revive qualification hopes – Ibrahim Tanko

Black Stars assistant coach Ibrahim Tanko has urged the players to prioritise their upcoming double-header against Somalia as Ghana seek to revive their faltering 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.

Ghana are scheduled to face Somalia in back-to-back Group C encounters later this month, with the two matches presenting an opportunity for the Black Stars to get their campaign back on track.

The four-time African champions have endured a difficult start to the qualifiers, losing their opening two matches against Ivory Coast and The Gambia.

Ghana suffered a 2-0 defeat to Ivory Coast in Bouake before throwing away a two-goal advantage to lose 4-2 against The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The results have left the Black Stars bottom of Group C without a point after two matches, increasing the pressure on the team to respond positively.

However, Tanko insists the immediate focus of the interim technical team is on securing maximum points against Somalia rather than looking too far ahead.

"We cannot afford to look too far ahead without first taking care of the immediate task," he told Joy Sports.

"The Somalia matches are our priority. If we can get the right results and build momentum, we can approach the next qualifiers with renewed confidence," he added.

Ghana will host Somalia in the first encounter on Thursday, November 12, before the two sides meet again on November 16. Both fixtures are expected to take place in Ghana.

The interim technical team, led by Kim Lars Björkegren, is expected to announce its squad this week as preparations gather momentum for the crucial double-header.

The Black Stars are under pressure to avoid another disappointing qualifying campaign after missing the 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco.

Ghana finished bottom of their qualifying group without recording a single victory, an outcome they will be determined to avoid repeating as they pursue a place at the 2027 tournament.