Somalia head coach Yusuf Ali Nur has expressed confidence in his team’s preparations ahead of their crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying encounter against Ghana, insisting that the Ocean Stars are ready for the challenge.
Nur confirmed that his players had arrived in Ghana and were adequately prepared for Thursday’s Group C Matchday 3 fixture at the Essipong Sports Stadium in Sekondi-Takoradi.
“We arrived in Ghana, and we are ready to play the game against Ghana. We are well prepared, Alhamdulillah,” the Somalia coach said ahead of the encounter.
The statement comes as both nations desperately seek their first points in the qualifying campaign after suffering defeats in their opening two matches.
Somalia began their campaign with a 2-1 defeat against The Gambia before losing 2-0 to Côte d’Ivoire, while Ghana suffered a 2-0 loss to Côte d’Ivoire before surrendering a two-goal advantage in a disappointing 4-2 home defeat against The Gambia.
The results have placed both teams under pressure, making the two-match encounter particularly important as they attempt to revive their qualification hopes.
Ghana will be led by interim head coach Kim Lars Björkegren following Carlos Queiroz’s departure, with the Black Stars targeting maximum points from the double-header.
Somalia, meanwhile, will look to frustrate the four-time African champions and capitalise on their recent struggles as they pursue a positive result.
The first meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 12, with the return fixture taking place on Monday, November 16, 2026.
With both sides desperate to get their campaigns back on track, Nur’s confidence will be tested against a Ghanaian team equally determined to respond in front of its home supporters.
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