The Black Stars of Ghana have recorded their first victory in the ongoing AFCON 2027 qualifiers following a 2-0 win over Somalia at the Essipong Sports Stadium.
The victory offers Ghana a much-needed boost in their quest to secure qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations after a difficult start to their qualifying campaign.
Ghana began the encounter on the front foot, dominating possession and piling pressure on the Somali defence in search of an early breakthrough.
Their attacking approach paid off in the 14th minute when they were awarded a penalty. However, captain Jordan Ayew failed to convert from the spot, missing the opportunity to give Ghana an early lead.
Despite the setback, the Black Stars maintained their attacking intensity and continued to push forward in search of the opening goal.
Their persistence finally paid off in first-half stoppage time when Jonas Adjetey rose highest to head home a cross in the 45+2nd minute, sending Ghana into the break with a 1-0 advantage.
The Black Stars returned from the interval with renewed determination and doubled their lead in the 62nd minute through Afena-Gyan. The forward unleashed a well-taken strike that the Somali goalkeeper failed to keep out, extending Ghana’s advantage to 2-0.
Head coach Kim Lars continued to make changes in the second half, introducing fresh legs in an attempt to maintain Ghana’s attacking threat and increase the goal tally.
The result marks Ghana’s first win in the qualifying campaign and provides a timely lift as they continue their push for a place at AFCON 2027.
Ghana are scheduled to face Somalia again in the return fixture on Monday, November 16, at the Essipong Sports Stadium.
Following the victory, the Black Stars sit third in Group C with three matches played, recording one win and two defeats, with no draws.
The team will now look to build on this result and secure another positive outcome in their next encounter as the race for AFCON 2027 qualification intensifies.
