Slovan Bratislava midfielder Rahim Ibrahim marked a memorable milestone in his career by making his senior debut for the Black Stars in Ghana’s 2-0 victory over Somalia in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Thursday.
The 25-year-old was introduced in the closing stages of the Group C encounter at the Essipong Sports Stadium, replacing Caleb Yirenkyi in the 86th minute as interim head coach Kim Lars Björkegren handed him his first appearance for the senior national team.
Ibrahim’s debut came on a positive afternoon for the Black Stars, who claimed their first victory of the qualifying campaign to revive their hopes of reaching the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Ghana took the lead just before half-time through defender Jonas Adjei Adjetey, who finished confidently to give the hosts a deserved advantage at the break.
The Black Stars remained in control after the restart and wrapped up the victory in the 62nd minute when Felix Afena-Gyan doubled the lead with a composed finish.
The result was a timely response from the four-time African champions after opening their Group C campaign with defeats to Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia, easing the pressure on the team and new coach Björkegren.
For Ibrahim, the appearance capped an impressive rise after earning recognition for his consistent performances with Slovak champions Slovan Bratislava, and he will now be hoping to establish himself as a regular fixture in the Black Stars squad.
Ghana will now shift their focus to Monday’s reverse fixture against Somalia at the Essipong Sports Stadium, where another victory would significantly strengthen their chances of climbing the Group C standings and keeping their 2027 AFCON qualification hopes firmly on course.
