2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Black Stars players must take responsibility ahead of Somalia games - Ibrahim Tanko

Black Stars assistant coach Ibrahim Tanko says restoring collective belief and a sense of responsibility among the players will be key to reviving Ghana's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.

Ghana face Somalia in a crucial Group C double-header later this month, with the two encounters offering the four-time African champions an opportunity to get their qualification hopes back on track.

The Black Stars have endured a difficult start to the campaign, losing their opening two matches against Ivory Coast and The Gambia.

A 2-0 defeat to Ivory Coast in Bouaké was followed by a disappointing 4-2 loss to The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium, leaving Ghana bottom of the group without a point.

With the team under pressure to respond, Tanko believes the Black Stars have sufficient quality to turn their fortunes around but insists the players must demonstrate greater unity and commitment to the national cause.

"Ghana has a very good squad, with quality players who can compete," he told Joy Sports.

"What matters is getting everyone to believe in the collective objective, understanding the responsibility of wearing the national colours and translating our potential into performances on the pitch."

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 be played in Ghana.

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

The upcoming fixtures represent an important opportunity for Ghana to revive their campaign after missing the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.

The Black Stars endured a disastrous qualifying campaign for that tournament, finishing bottom of their group without recording a single victory.

With the 2027 edition set to be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, Ghana cannot afford further setbacks if they are to secure a place at the continental showpiece.

For Tanko and the rest of the interim technical team, the immediate priority is to rebuild confidence, strengthen the team's collective identity and translate the quality within the squad into positive results.

Victories over Somalia would provide a much-needed boost to Ghana's qualification hopes and offer a foundation for a stronger finish to the campaign.