Ghana Begin Afcon 2027 Revival with Win Over Somalia

Ghana finally kick-started their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifying campaign with a 2-0 victory over Somalia in Sekondi-Takoradi.

The Black Stars had lost their opening two Group C matches against Ivory Coast and The Gambia, prompting the departure of head coach Carlos Queiroz by mutual consent.

Ghana women’s team coach Kim Bjorkegren was appointed interim manager for this month’s double-header against Somalia, with the four-time African champions facing the possibility of missing a second consecutive Afcon tournament.

Ghana had an early opportunity to take the lead after Alidu Seidu was brought down inside the penalty area. However, Jordan Ayew’s 14th-minute spot-kick was saved by Somalia goalkeeper Ibrahim Hussein.

The hosts eventually broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time. Mohammed Salisu headed Mohammed Kudus’s deep corner back across goal, allowing Jonas Adjetey to nod the ball into the net from close range.

Felix Afena-Gyan extended Ghana’s lead shortly after the hour mark, firing from inside the penalty area. His effort slipped underneath Hussein and crossed the goal line to make it 2-0.

The victory moves Ghana to within three points of group leaders Ivory Coast and The Gambia, who were scheduled to meet in Bouake at 19:00 GMT.

Cameroon and Senegal were also scheduled to play later on Thursday.

DR Congo Maintain Perfect Start

Elsewhere, Newcastle United striker Yoane Wissa opened the scoring as the Democratic Republic of Congo continued their perfect qualifying campaign with a 3-1 win over Sierra Leone in Kinshasa.

The Leopards remain top of Group E with nine points, five ahead of Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea, who played out a goalless draw.

Nigeria Receive Qualifying Boost

Nigeria also received a boost after Group L leaders Guinea-Bissau were held to a 1-1 draw by Madagascar in a match played in Morocco.

The Super Eagles are four points behind Guinea-Bissau ahead of their home fixture against Tanzania on Friday at 16:00 GMT.

Tanzania have already secured their place at Afcon 2027 as one of the tournament’s co-hosts, leaving the other three teams in Group L competing for the remaining qualification spot.