2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Black Stars to host Somalia in AFCON qualifiers at Essipong Stadium

Ghana's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying doubleheader against Somalia will be played at the Essipong Sports Stadium following approval by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The Black Stars are scheduled to face Somalia in their Matchday 3 and 4 encounters, with both matches set to take place in the Western Region.

The fixtures were initially expected to be staged at the Accra Sports Stadium, but Essipong has now been confirmed as the venue for the two encounters.

The decision follows earlier indications from Acting Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong, that the matches could be moved to the Western Region.

Ghana will host Somalia on November 12 before the two sides meet again on November 16, as the Black Stars seek to revive their faltering qualification campaign.

The four-time African champions head into the doubleheader under considerable pressure after suffering defeats in their opening two Group C matches.

Ghana began their campaign with a 2-0 loss to Ivory Coast in Bouaké before suffering a disappointing 4-2 defeat against The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Those results have left the Black Stars bottom of Group C without a point, making victories in both encounters against Somalia crucial to their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 tournament.

The matches also present an opportunity for Ghana to restore confidence following their failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.

Essipong Sports Stadium recently returned to the international football calendar after seven years without hosting a competitive international fixture.

The venue staged the Black Queens' 7-0 victory over Mauritius on October 13 in an Olympic Games qualifying encounter.