2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Ghana host Somalia in crucial qualifier as Björkegren targets winning start

Ghana will be looking to revive their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign when they host Somalia at the Essipong Sports Stadium on Thursday.

The Black Stars are under pressure to secure their first points in Group C after suffering defeats in their opening two matches, leaving their hopes of qualifying for the tournament hanging in the balance.

Somalia are also searching for their first victory after losing their opening two games, setting up a crucial encounter in Sekondi-Takoradi.

Ghana's disappointing start has already prompted a change in the technical department, with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) parting ways with Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz and appointing Kim Lars Björkegren on an interim basis.

The four-time African champions began their campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Ivory Coast in Bouaké on September 24. Malick Yalcouye and Franck Kessié scored in either half to give the defending champions victory.

Ghana suffered another setback five days later, losing 4-2 to The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium despite taking a two-goal lead.

Ernest Nuamah and Felix Afena-Gyan put the hosts in control, but Muhammed Badamosi, Omar Colley and a second-half brace from Ebrima Colley completed a remarkable comeback for the visitors.

The defeat extended Ghana's winless run in AFCON qualifying matches to eight games and intensified concerns following their failure to qualify for the 2025 tournament, ending their unbroken participation in the competition since 2004.

Björkegren now faces the challenge of restoring confidence and getting Ghana's campaign back on track.

Failure to qualify for the 2027 tournament would see the Black Stars miss consecutive AFCON editions for the first time since their three successive absences in 1986, 1988 and 1990.

For Somalia, Thursday's fixture offers an opportunity to revive their qualification hopes as they continue their quest for a maiden appearance at the continental showpiece.

The Ocean Stars secured their place in the group stage after overcoming Eswatini and Mauritius in the preliminary round but have found life difficult against the stronger opposition in Group C.

They opened their campaign with a 2-1 defeat to The Gambia on September 25, with Ebrima Colley and Muhammed Badamosi scoring for the hosts. Bilal Njie had briefly restored parity with a 72nd-minute equaliser.

Somalia subsequently lost 2-0 at home to Ivory Coast, conceding late goals from Yann Gboho and Bazoumana Toure in the final six minutes at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny.

Despite the defeat, Yusuf Ali's side showed encouraging signs against the African champions and will hope to build on that performance when they face Ghana.

• Team news

Björkegren has named a 26-man squad for the double-header against Somalia, with several key players returning to strengthen the Black Stars.

Captain Jordan Ayew has been recalled after missing the opening two qualifiers through a groin injury, while midfielder Thomas Partey also returns to provide experience and stability.

Tottenham Hotspur forward Mohammed Kudus is another significant boost for Ghana, with the attacking midfielder set to make his first international appearance of the year after missing the World Cup through injury.

Premier League trio Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Brandon Thomas-Asante and Ibrahim Osman have also been included.

However, Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo is unavailable because of a knee injury, while defender Jan Gyamerah misses out with a muscle problem.

Somalia coach Yusuf Ali is expected to retain much of the team that faced Ivory Coast, with Ibrahim Ahmed Hussein likely to start in goal.

The defensive unit is expected to feature Mohamed Mohamed, Abel Gigli, Ali Omar and Faisal Othman.

Bilal Njie is expected to lead the attack after an impressive run of form for club and country. The KFUM Oslo forward has registered eight goal contributions in his last nine matches and will be one of Somalia's main attacking threats.

Mohamed Omar, Abdi Sharif and Mukhtar Suleiman are also expected to feature in midfield as the visitors look to compete with Ghana in that department.

Possible starting line-ups

• Ghana: Ati-Zigi; Seidu, Adjetey, Salisu, Mensah; Partey, Yirenkyi; Kudus, Abdul Fatawu, Jordan Ayew; Thomas-Asante.
• Somalia: Hussein; Mohamed, Gigli, Ali Omar, Osman; Mohamed Omar, Sharif, Suleiman; Addo, Njie, Hassan.