AFCON 2027 qualifiers: We’re ready for Ghana – Somalia coach Yusuf Ali Nur

Somalia coach Yusuf Ali Nur says his team is fully prepared for Thursday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ghana.

The Ocean Stars face the Black Stars at the Essipong Sports Stadium in Takoradi, with both teams seeking their first points in Group C after disappointing starts to their campaigns.

Somalia have lost their opening two matches against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia, leaving them third from bottom without a point.

Ghana have endured a similarly difficult campaign, suffering a 2-0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké before losing 4-2 at home to The Gambia.

Despite their difficult start, Nur believes his players are ready for the challenge as they seek to secure a positive result against the four-time African champions.

“We arrived in Ghana, and we are ready to play the game against Ghana. We are well prepared, Alhamdulillah,” he said.

The encounter presents Somalia with an opportunity to revive their qualification campaign against a Ghanaian side also under pressure to deliver.

Interim coach Kim Lars Björkegren will lead the Black Stars into the fixture, knowing that anything short of victory would further complicate their chances of reaching the 2027 tournament in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

The two sides will meet again on Monday, November 16, at the same venue for the return fixture.

Ghana need maximum points from the double-header to keep their AFCON qualification hopes alive.