2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Black Stars has the quality to beat Somalia - Frimpong Manso

Former Ghana international Frimpong Manso believes the Black Stars have enough quality to beat Somalia in their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, regardless of the players selected for the double-header.

Ghana are scheduled to face Somalia twice later this month, with the first encounter set for November 12 and the return fixture taking place four days later. Both matches are expected to be played in Ghana.

Speaking to Sporty FM, Manso urged the interim technical team, led by Black Queens coach Kim Lars Björkegren, to give locally based players an opportunity, insisting that the domestic league has talented footballers capable of representing the national team.

However, the former Asante Kotoko player and coach cautioned against underestimating Somalia, noting that the standard of football across Africa has improved significantly in recent years.

“The fact that we are promoting the use of local players doesn't mean that the Somalis don't know how to play. Football has changed a lot because CAF is allowing many teams to qualify for African tournaments. They are increasing the number,” he said.

Despite acknowledging the growing competitiveness of African football, Manso remains confident that Ghana should be able to overcome their opponents.

“But compared to us, as footballers, we don't have to struggle to win against Somalia, although the others are catching up. For me, I think we should be able to win against Somalia at home, no matter the kind of players we call up,” he added.

Manso cited The Gambia as an example of how sustained investment in youth football can help emerging nations become more competitive.

Ghana suffered a damaging 4-2 defeat against The Gambia after surrendering a two-goal advantage in their previous Group C encounter.

“The rise of Gambia isn't recent; they started with the youth teams. And if you look at their players at the back who play in Europe, they are not pushovers. Those who played against us, I'm not sure you will find most of them playing for foreign-based clubs,” he said.

The former Bibiani Gold Stars coach also highlighted the changing landscape of African football, pointing out that players competing in lower divisions can still pose significant challenges to traditionally stronger nations.

He believes Ghana's chances of securing positive results will depend largely on selecting players who are committed and ready to give their best for the country.

“For me, my point is that Somalia, yes, they are coming up. But if we bring players that will give off their best, Somalia cannot stand us,” he stressed.

Ghana head into the double-header bottom of Group C, having lost their opening two qualifying matches against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia.

The four-time African champions are yet to pick up a point in the campaign and face mounting pressure to revive their qualification hopes.

Having missed out on the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, the Black Stars will be eager to secure maximum points from both matches against Somalia and put their 2027 qualification campaign back on track.