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In a pivotal Group C encounter at Essipong Sports Stadium in Sekondi-Takoradi on Thursday, Ghana earn first Cup of Nations qualifying points in 2-0 win over Somalia to revive their campaign for the 2027 continental tournament. Facing intense pressure after opening their qualifying schedule with consecutive defeats against Ivory Coast and The Gambia, the four-time African champions ended a 37-month winless drought in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches. Despite entering the contest ranked 200th in the world, Somalia’s national team delivered a disciplined, resilient defensive performance throughout the opening half before conceding twice against their 70th-ranked hosts.
The Ocean Stars frustrated the home crowd early on by maintaining a compact defensive block and limiting clear scoring opportunities during the opening stages. Somalia goalkeeper Ibrahim Hussein produced a standout moment in the fourteenth minute, diving to save a penalty kick taken by Ghana captain Jordan Ayew to keep the scoreline level. Under interim head coach Kim Lars Björkegren, who stepped in following the departure of veteran manager Carlos Queiroz, the Black Stars dominated territory and possession. However, the breakthrough only arrived in first-half stoppage time when defender Jonas Adjetey rose inside the penalty area to head home a corner kick assisted by Mohammed Salisu.
Following the interval, Ghana capitalized on their territorial advantage to secure the victory. In the sixty-second minute, returning midfielder Mohammed Kudus delivered a precise pass into the box for substitute Felix Afena-Gyan, who finished cleanly past Hussein to double the lead. Although Somalia recorded three total shots and two efforts on target during the match, the visitors struggled to sustain prolonged attacking spells against Ghana’s defensive line. Across the full ninety minutes, the home side controlled seventy percent of possession and registered twenty-three attempts on goal, eventually grinding out a hard-earned result.
As Ghana earn first Cup of Nations qualifying points in 2-0 win over Somalia, the Group C standings have tightened considerably at the halfway mark of the preliminaries. Ivory Coast currently lead the group with nine points following a 2-1 victory over second-placed The Gambia on six points, while Ghana move into third place with three points and Somalia remain fourth without a point. Both sides will meet again immediately on Monday, November 16, for the reverse fixture as qualification continues ahead of the 2027 finals co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.