2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Thomas-Asante urges Black Stars to make most of Somalia double-header

Black Stars forward Brandon Thomas-Asante says Ghana must make the most of their opportunity to revive their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign against Somalia.

Ghana will face Somalia in a double-header in Group C, with both matches scheduled to take place at the Essipong Sports Stadium.

The four-time African champions are under pressure to turn their campaign around after suffering consecutive defeats to Ivory Coast and The Gambia in their opening two matches.

Those results have left Ghana bottom of Group C without a point, increasing the importance of the upcoming encounters.

Speaking ahead of Thursday's first-leg meeting, Thomas-Asante insisted the squad was fully focused on delivering a strong performance, adding that the team had enough quality to get the job done.

“We are not here to joke around or anything. We are here knowing we have got to put our best foot forward and to maximise this opportunity. You look around the squad, we've got the quality,” the Coventry City forward said.

Thomas-Asante believes Ghana have the necessary talent to respond to their disappointing start but stressed the need for the players to translate that quality into performances on the pitch.

“We understand the task at hand, and everyone is here on a mission. We are here knowing we have to maximise this opportunity. We believe we have that quality and we can show it in these games,” he added.

Ghana are desperate to secure qualification for the 2027 AFCON after missing out on the 2025 tournament in Morocco.

The next edition will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, with the Black Stars determined to return to Africa's biggest football competition and avoid another disappointing qualifying campaign.