2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Black Stars can revive campaign against Somalia – Henry Asante Twum

Ghana Football Association (GFA) Communications Director Henry Asante Twum believes the Black Stars have an opportunity to revive their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign when they face Somalia in a double-header.

Ghana have endured a difficult start to their Group C campaign, losing their opening two matches against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia.

The four-time African champions suffered a 2-0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké before losing 4-2 to The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium, leaving them bottom of the group without a point.

The Black Stars will host Somalia at the Essipong Sports Stadium in Takoradi on Thursday, November 12, in the first leg of their double-header, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00 GMT. The return fixture will take place at the same venue on Monday, November 16.

Speaking to 3Sports, Asante Twum acknowledged the disappointment surrounding Ghana's opening results but insists the upcoming fixtures present an opportunity for a fresh start.

“This is a new chapter. This is a new beginning. We are playing a new opponent. We are playing in a different city for the first time in so many years, in close to two decades,” he said.

He believes the players can embrace the change of environment, enjoy the occasion and deliver positive results for themselves and the supporters.

“These players are new to the environment. They want to make history for themselves. They want to have fun. They want to enjoy. They want to win the game,” he added.

Ghana's return to Takoradi has also generated excitement among supporters, with the GFA communications director calling on fans in the Western Region to turn out in their numbers for the encounter.

Asante Twum highlighted the region's passion for football, recalling the warm reception the team received upon arriving in the city.

“There is a history that people of Takoradi love football, and that’s what we witnessed and experienced at the airport,” he explained.

Ghana need maximum points from both encounters to improve their position in Group C, where Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia have each collected six points from their opening two matches.

Despite the disappointing start, Asante Twum says the team must focus on the opportunities ahead rather than dwell on their previous results.

“What is gone, nothing can be done about it. It is what it is. But we strongly believe that these two matches ahead give us the opportunity to write another story, to turn our campaign back on track,” he stated.

The Black Stars are seeking a return to the AFCON after missing the 2025 edition in Morocco, marking their first absence from the continental showpiece in two decades.

The 2027 tournament will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, with Ghana eager to secure qualification and avoid another setback.