Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying: Ghana and Somalia face decisive Group C clash

Ghana and Somalia meet in a crucial Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifier on Thursday, with both sides needing victory to keep their campaigns alive.

The match will kick off at 15:00 GMT at the Essipong Sports Stadium in Sekondi-Takoradi, as the two teams contest the third round of Group C.

Neither side has earned a point from their opening two matches. Ghana sit third and Somalia are fourth, behind group leaders Cote d’Ivoire and The Gambia.

The Black Stars must win on home soil to avoid remaining at the bottom of the section and finally begin their qualifying campaign. They will be led by interim manager Kim Lars Bjorkegren.

Ghana have received a boost with the return of key players Mohammed Kudus, Thomas Partey and Jordan Ayew. However, Antoine Semenyo and Ernest Nuamah are unavailable for the match.

Somalia, known as the Ocean Stars, arrive determined to produce an upset and revive their own hopes of progressing. The fixture begins a tense two-match contest between the teams.

They will meet again on Monday, with the second match taking place at the same Essipong Sports Stadium.