Ghana revive AFCON 2027 qualification hopes with 2-0 win over Somalia

Ghana revived their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a 2-0 victory over Somalia in their Matchday 3 encounter in Group C.

The Black Stars went into Thursday's match under pressure after suffering consecutive defeats against Ivory Coast and The Gambia in their opening two qualifying games.

Interim head coach Kim Lars Björkegren responded by naming a strong starting line-up, with Thomas Partey, Mohammed Salisu, Mohammed Kudus and Jordan Ayew all featuring from the start.

Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare was handed the starting role between the posts.

Ghana made a positive start, enjoying much of the possession in the opening stages but struggling to create clear-cut opportunities.

The hosts were awarded a penalty in the 12th minute after Alidu Seidu was brought down inside the Somali penalty area.

Captain Jordan Ayew stepped up to take the spot-kick but saw his effort saved by the Somali goalkeeper, missing an opportunity to give Ghana an early lead.

Ayew came close to making amends shortly afterwards, but his effort narrowly missed the target as the Black Stars continued to push forward.

Somalia remained compact defensively, making it difficult for Ghana to penetrate their backline and forcing the hosts to attempt several shots from distance.

Despite their dominance, Ghana struggled to find a breakthrough until first-half stoppage time, when Jonas Adjetey rose to score from a corner and give the four-time African champions a 1-0 lead at the break.

Ghana continued to dictate proceedings after the restart and almost doubled their advantage in the 50th minute, but Mohammed Salisu's header from another corner was blocked.

The Black Stars eventually found their second goal in the 62nd minute through Felix Afena-Gyan, who extended their advantage and gave the hosts greater control of the contest.

Prince Adu Kwabena was introduced shortly afterwards, replacing the goalscorer.

Björkegren made further changes in the 75th minute, bringing on Daniel-Kofi Kyereh and Ibrahim Sulemana for Jordan Ayew and Alidu Seidu.

Kyereh, returning to the national team after an absence of almost four years, nearly marked his comeback with a goal but saw his long-range effort saved by the Somali goalkeeper.

Ghana continued to search for a third goal, with another free-kick opportunity going wide of the target.

Rahim Ibrahim and Brandon Thomas-Asante were also introduced for Fatawu Issahaku and Caleb Yirenkyi as the Black Stars looked to maintain their attacking momentum.

However, Ghana had to settle for a 2-0 victory, securing their first points of the qualifying campaign.

The result moves the Black Stars up to third place in Group C with three points, although they remain on a negative two-goal difference.

Ghana will face Somalia again in the return fixture on Monday, 16 November, at the Essipong Sports Stadium as they look to build on the victory and strengthen their qualification hopes.

The Black Stars are seeking a return to the AFCON finals, which will be hosted in East Africa in 2027, after missing out on the previous tournament in Morocco.