2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Black Stars must secure all six points against Somalia, says Sports Minister Kofi Adams

Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams is confident the Black Stars can revive their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign by winning both matches against Somalia.

Ghana will host Somalia at the Essipong Sports Stadium in Sekondi-Takoradi on Thursday, November 12, before travelling for the return fixture four days later.

The Black Stars are under pressure to deliver after suffering consecutive defeats to Ivory Coast and The Gambia, leaving them bottom of Group C without a point after two matches.

Speaking in an interview with Asempa FM, Adams expressed confidence in the team's ability to collect all six available points, citing the players' energy and psychological readiness ahead of the double-header.

However, the minister admitted that the players' reactions to the team's difficult situation have not been as encouraging as in previous international windows.

He also expressed hope that the squad would avoid injuries during training as preparations intensify.

“I believe that the next two games that we have in this window, we should be able to get all the points that are available,” the Buem MP said.

Adams has also appealed to football supporters, particularly those in the Western and Central regions, to turn out in large numbers to support the national team.

The Black Stars are returning to the area after a lengthy absence, and the minister believes strong backing from the fans could provide the encouragement needed to secure positive results.

He urged supporters to replicate the enthusiasm they showed the Black Queens during their recent matches.

“They need our continuous support. They need our prayers, and I believe that the energy in the team is quite good,” he added.

The minister further disclosed that he had engaged with the players and was encouraged by their individual mentality.

However, he stressed that the responsibility now rests with the technical team and management to unite the squad and build the collective spirit required to overcome Somalia.

“As Minister, I've done what I'm supposed to do, and I believe it is for the technical team to also perform their responsibility,” he said.

The interim technical team, led by Kim Lars Björkegren and assisted by Ibrahim Tanko and Godwin Attram, is expected to announce its squad for the two encounters in the coming days.

Ghana are seeking a return to the AFCON after missing the previous edition staged in Morocco.

With their qualification hopes already under pressure, the Black Stars will be targeting maximum points from the two matches to revive their campaign and improve their chances of progressing from Group C.