Omanghana
Minister for Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams has expressed confidence that the Black Stars can collect all six points from their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Somalia.
Ghana will face Somalia at the Essipong Sports Stadium in Sekondi-Takoradi on Thursday, November 12, before the return fixture at the same venue on Monday, November 16, 2026.
Both matches are scheduled to kick off at 3:00 p.m. Ghana time, equivalent to 10:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time.
Speaking ahead of the games, Mr Adams said he believed the players had the energy and determination to respond to Ghana’s difficult start to the qualifying campaign.
“We should be able to get all the points that are available,” he said.
Ghana seek first points
The Black Stars are bottom of Group C after losing their first two qualifiers, falling 2–0 to Côte d’Ivoire and 4–2 to The Gambia.
Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia have both won their opening matches, while Ghana and Somalia are still seeking their first points.
| Group C team | Matches played | Goal difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Côte d’Ivoire | 2 | +4 | 6 |
| The Gambia | 2 | +3 | 6 |
| Somalia | 2 | -3 | 0 |
| Ghana | 2 | -4 | 0 |
The two matches against Somalia offer Ghana an opportunity to improve their position before the final round of group fixtures.
Minister calls for fan support
Mr Adams urged supporters, particularly those in the Western and Central regions, to turn out in large numbers at Essipong to encourage the team.
He appealed to fans to give the Black Stars the same support they had shown the Black Queens and said the players needed continued encouragement as they sought to turn their campaign around.
The minister said he had engaged with members of the squad and was encouraged by their individual attitudes ahead of the matches.
Technical team tasked with preparing squad
Mr Adams said he had fulfilled his responsibilities as minister and expected interim coach Kim Lars Björkegren and the technical team to prepare the players for the encounters.
“As Minister, I’ve done what I’m supposed to do,” he said, adding that the technical handlers must also carry out their responsibilities.
Björkegren has named a 26-man squad featuring the return of captain Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus, Thomas Partey and Daniel-Kofi Kyereh.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
Source: Omanghana
