Ghana ended their difficult start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a much-needed 2-0 victory over Somalia at the Sekondi Sports Stadium on Thursday, November 12.
First-half goalscorer Jonas Adjetey and second-half substitute Felix Afena-Gyan delivered the three points for the Black Stars, giving interim head coach Kim Lars Björkegren a winning start in his first competitive match in charge.
The victory came after Ghana suffered consecutive defeats against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia in their opening two Group C fixtures, leaving the four-time African champions without a point before Thursday’s encounter.
Ghana started brightly and were handed an opportunity to take an early lead in the 14th minute after winning a penalty. However, captain Jordan Ayew failed to convert from the spot as Somalia goalkeeper Ibrahim Hussein produced a save.
The Black Stars eventually broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time when Jonas Adjetey rose to head home a delivery from Mohammed Salisu in the 45th minute plus two minutes.
Ghana maintained their attacking momentum after the restart and doubled their advantage in the 62nd minute.
Mohammed Kudus provided the decisive pass for Felix Afena-Gyan, who finished calmly to make it 2-0 and put the result beyond Somalia’s reach.
The hosts controlled proceedings for the remainder of the encounter, with goalkeeper Benjamin Asare rarely troubled as Ghana secured their first clean sheet and victory of the qualifying campaign.
The victory also extended Ghana’s impressive historical record in AFCON qualifying matches played during November.
Their home record during November is equally impressive, with five victories and one defeat in six matches, without recording a draw.
The victory represents an important beginning for interim coach Kim Lars Björkegren, who took charge following the departure of Carlos Queiroz.
Speaking after the match, Björkegren expressed satisfaction with his players’ performance but acknowledged that Ghana could have scored more goals, particularly after Jordan Ayew’s missed penalty.
He also urged the team to maintain their improved intensity ahead of the return fixture.
Ghana will face Somalia again on Monday, November 16, 2026, at the Sekondi Sports Stadium.
Another victory would give the Black Stars six points from four matches and strengthen their hopes of recovering from their disappointing opening results.
Leave feedback about this