Ghana have reignited their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign following a 2-0 home victory against Somalia in Sekondi-Takoradi, moving to within three points of the Group C leaders after a difficult start to their qualification bid.
The Black Stars had suffered defeats in their opening two matches against Ivory Coast and The Gambia, prompting the departure of head coach Carlos Queiroz by mutual agreement. According to BBC Sport, interim manager Kim Bjorkegren, who coaches Ghana's women's team, took charge for the double-header against Somalia as the West African nation faced the prospect of missing a second consecutive Afcon finals tournament.
Ghana's path back into contention began uncertainly when they were awarded a penalty in the 14th minute after Alidu Seidu was brought down in the box. However, Jordan Ayew's spot-kick was denied by Somalia goalkeeper Ibrahim Hussein, denying the hosts an early breakthrough.
The breakthrough arrived in the closing moments of the first half when Mohammed Kudus delivered a deep corner from the right wing. Mohammed Salisu rose to meet the delivery and directed a header back across the goalmouth, where Jonas Adjetey was waiting to convert from six yards out and give Ghana the lead at the interval.
Felix Afena-Gyan extended Ghana's advantage shortly after the hour mark with a clinical finish, his shot from close range squirming beneath Hussein and crossing the line to secure the 2-0 scoreline.
What happens next in Group C?
The victory leaves Ghana with work still to do in their qualifying campaign. Ivory Coast and The Gambia, the two teams ahead of them in the standings, are scheduled to meet in Bouake at 19:00 GMT on the same day, with that result potentially reshaping the group's complexion. Cameroon, DR Congo and Senegal are also competing in matches among seven other Afcon 2027 qualifiers taking place on Thursday.
Ghana's qualification hopes depend on maintaining this momentum in their remaining fixtures, particularly given the competitive nature of Group C and the stakes involved in securing a place at the continental tournament.
