Ghana beat Somalia to secure first win in 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign

Ghana revived their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification hopes with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Somalia at the Essipong Stadium on Thursday.

The Black Stars claimed their first win of the qualifying campaign after a dominant performance, with Jonas-Adjei Adjetey and Felix Afena-Gyan finding the net to secure all three points.

The result offers Ghana a much-needed boost after a difficult start to their campaign and puts them in a better position ahead of the return fixture on November 16.

Jordan Ayew misses penalty as Ghana struggle to break the deadlock

Ghana started on the front foot, aware that victory was essential to revive their qualification hopes. However, despite their early pressure, the hosts struggled to convert their attacking opportunities.

Their best chance to take the lead came in the 14th minute when they were awarded a penalty following a foul on defender Alidu Seidu inside the Somalia penalty area.

Captain Jordan Ayew stepped up to take the spot-kick but saw his effort saved by Somalia goalkeeper Ibrahim Ahmed Hussein.

Ayew attempted to make amends shortly afterwards with a powerful strike that narrowly missed the far post.

Somalia gradually grew into the contest after weathering Ghana’s early pressure and enjoyed a spell of possession beyond the 20th minute. However, the Black Stars’ defence remained organised and managed to contain their opponents.

Ghana eventually found the breakthrough in added time through a well-executed corner from Mohammed Kudus.

Mohammed Salisu connected with the delivery at the far post and headed the ball towards defensive partner Jonas-Adjei Adjetey, who guided it into the net to give the hosts a 1-0 lead at half-time.

Afena-Gyan doubles Ghana’s advantage after the break

Ghana returned from the interval with greater confidence and attacking freedom after taking the lead just before half-time.

Their improved performance eventually produced a second goal in the 62nd minute.

Mohammed Kudus played a through ball to Felix Afena-Gyan, who finished with a curling effort that went through the Somalia goalkeeper to extend Ghana’s advantage to 2-0.

The second goal allowed the Black Stars to take greater control of proceedings, with the hosts enjoying sustained possession and creating further opportunities in front of their supporters.

Substitute Daniel-Kofi Kyereh came close to adding a third in the 76th minute, but his effort from the edge of the penalty area was saved by Ibrahim Ahmed Hussein.

Despite their efforts to increase the margin of victory, Ghana were unable to find another goal and eventually settled for a 2-0 win.

Black Stars turn attention to return fixture

The victory represents Ghana’s first three points in the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign and provides a timely lift to their hopes of reaching the continental tournament.

The Black Stars will now prepare for the return encounter against Somalia on November 16, where they will look to build on Thursday’s performance and secure another victory.