The Black Stars have secured their first victory in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers with a 2-0 win over Somalia at the Essipong Sports Stadium on Thursday.
Felix Afena-Gyan and defender Jonas Adjetey scored as Ghana ended their disappointing start to the qualifying campaign and collected their first three points after consecutive defeats to Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia.
Ghana dominated proceedings for much of the encounter but missed an early opportunity to take the lead when captain Jordan Ayew failed to convert a penalty after Alidu Seidu was brought down inside the box.
Ayew’s spot-kick was comfortably saved by the Somali goalkeeper, denying the Black Stars an early breakthrough.
Ghana dominated proceedings for much of the encounter but missed an early opportunity to take the lead when captain Jordan Ayew failed to convert a penalty after Alidu Seidu was brought down inside the box.
Ayew’s spot-kick was comfortably saved by the Somali goalkeeper, denying the Black Stars an early breakthrough.
Despite the setback, Ghana continued to apply pressure and eventually took the lead through Jonas Adjetey, who rose highest to head home from a Mohammed Kudus corner following a flick-on by Mohammed Salisu.
The Black Stars maintained their attacking approach after the break, controlling possession while Somalia remained largely defensive.
Ghana eventually doubled their advantage through Felix Afena-Gyan, who powered home a finish after a move involving Jordan Ayew and Mohammed Kudus.
Daniel Kofi-Kyereh nearly added a third in the 77th minute, but his powerful effort was kept out by the Somali goalkeeper.
The Black Stars held on to their two-goal advantage to secure a much-needed victory and breathe life into their AFCON qualifying campaign.
Ghana will face Somalia again on Monday in the return fixture, with the Black Stars hoping to build on Thursday’s performance and claim another important victory.
By: Bernard Mensah
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