Interim Black Stars coach Kim Lars Björkegren faces his first major examination as Ghana take on Somalia in a crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Essipong Sports Stadium in Sekondi-Takoradi.
The Swedish tactician is under pressure to deliver a convincing performance after Ghana suffered successive defeats to Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia, leaving their AFCON 2027 qualification hopes in serious danger.
The selection includes the return of several key players, notably captain Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus, Thomas Partey, Mohammed Salisu, Alidu Seidu and Daniel Kofi Kyereh, whose return after nearly four years away from the national team adds another dimension to Ghana’s midfield options.
Björkegren has also rewarded domestic performances by handing opportunities to Asante Kotoko’s Musa Hamzata, Medeama’s Etse Dogli and Emmanuel Annor, as well as FC Samartex’s Isaac Afful. Ghana Football Association +1
The Black Stars must approach the encounter with urgency, discipline and attacking intent. Their previous defeats exposed defensive weaknesses and an inability to protect leads, problems the interim coach will be expected to address.
Ghana need maximum points from the two meetings with Somalia to revive their qualification campaign and restore confidence among their supporters.
The first encounter kicks off at 3:00 pm, with the return fixture scheduled for November 16.
