Published:
Thursday, 12 November 2026
Ghana ended a three-year wait for victory in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying with a 2-0 win over Somalia on Thursday, reviving their hopes of reaching the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) PAMOJA 2027.
Goals from defender Jonas Adjetey and striker Felix Afena-Gyan secured the Black Stars’ first three points in Group C after defeats in their opening two qualifiers against Côte d’Ivoire and Gambia.
The victory at the Sekondi Sports Stadium also ended Ghana’s winless run in AFCON qualifying dating back to November 2023, providing a much-needed boost to a team seeking to avoid another disappointing qualifying campaign.
Ghana climbed to third place in Group C with three points, three behind leaders Côte d’Ivoire and second-placed Gambia, who were due to meet later on Thursday in Bouaké.
The result also handed caretaker coach Kim Lars Björkegren victory in his first competitive match in charge of the Black Stars.
Ayew misses penalty before Adjetey breaks deadlock
Ghana were handed an early opportunity to take the lead when Alidu Seidu was brought down inside the penalty area in the 13th minute.
However, captain Jordan Ayew failed to convert the resulting penalty, allowing Somalia to remain level despite the hosts’ promising start.
The missed spot-kick increased the pressure on Ghana, who entered the encounter without a point following their 2-0 defeat against Côte d’Ivoire and a 4-2 home loss to Gambia.
Somalia defended resolutely and frustrated the Black Stars for much of the opening period.
Ghana eventually broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time when defender Jonas Adjetey scored in the 45+2 minute after being set up by Mohammed Salisu.
The goal gave Ghana a crucial advantage heading into the interval and relieved some of the pressure that had built following Ayew’s penalty miss.
Afena-Gyan doubles advantage as Kudus makes successful return
Ghana strengthened their position in the 62nd minute when Felix Afena-Gyan doubled the lead, finishing an attacking move created by Mohammed Kudus.
The goal effectively put the match beyond Somalia’s reach and allowed Ghana to manage the closing stages with greater confidence.
Kudus, making his first international appearance of 2026 after a lengthy absence, played an important role in Ghana’s attacking play and marked his return with an assist.
The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder was among several experienced players recalled for the crucial double-header, alongside Ayew, Thomas Partey and Mohammed Salisu.
Björkegren subsequently introduced Daniel Kofi Kyereh for Ayew in the 75th minute, marking another significant international return after a lengthy absence from the national team.
Ghana maintained their two-goal advantage to secure an important clean sheet after conceding six goals in their previous two qualifiers.
Ghana revive qualification hopes but face difficult battle
The victory moves Ghana to three points from three matches, although the Black Stars remain behind Côte d’Ivoire and Gambia, who both collected maximum points from their opening two fixtures.
The two Group C leaders were scheduled to meet later on Thursday, meaning the outcome of their encounter could have a significant impact on Ghana’s qualification prospects.
Somalia, meanwhile, remain bottom of the group without a point after three consecutive defeats.
Ghana will now seek a second successive victory when they face Somalia again on Monday, 16 November, in the return fixture.
Another win would take the Black Stars to six points and strengthen their challenge for one of the two qualifying places.
With only three matches remaining after Thursday’s victory, Ghana cannot afford further setbacks as they seek to return to Africa’s biggest international football tournament.
The 2027 finals will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda from 19 June to 17 July.