Ghana Prepares for Vital AFCON Qualifiers Against Somalia with Star Returns

The Ghana national football team is gearing up for a crucial Group C double-header against Somalia in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, seeking to reverse a difficult start to their campaign. The Black Stars find themselves at the bottom of the group without a point after losing their opening two matches, suffering a 2-0 defeat to Côte d'Ivoire and a 4-2 loss to The Gambia. To revive their qualification hopes, the team has turned to several high-profile returning players.

Caretaker coach Kim Lars Björkegren has named a 26-man squad bolstered by significant comebacks, most notably Tottenham Hotspur forward Mohammed Kudus. Kudus is set to make his first appearance for Ghana this year, having missed the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to an injury. In addition, VfL Osnabrück midfielder Daniel-Kofi Kyereh has returned to the national squad for the first time in nearly four years following a prolonged absence caused by a serious injury sustained in December 2022.

Captain Jordan Ayew and defender Alidu Seidu also rejoin the team after missing the previous qualifying fixtures. Ayew was sidelined with a groin problem, but his veteran leadership is expected to be vital for the squad. Other notable inclusions from international leagues feature Brighton & Hove Albion forward Ibrahim Osman, Thomas Partey, and Mohammed Salisu.

Björkegren has also rewarded local talent from the Ghana Premier League by calling up four domestic players to the senior setup. Defender Isaac Afful from FC Samartex, Musa Hamzata of Asante Kotoko, and Medeama duo Etse Dogli and Emmanuel Annor have all been integrated into the squad, alongside goalkeeper Benjamin Asare of Hearts of Oak, who maintains his spot.

The Black Stars opened their training camp in Accra on Sunday, November 8, 2026. Following a final training session at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday afternoon, the team is scheduled to travel to the Western Region to continue preparations at the match venue. Ghana will host Somalia in the first leg at the Essipong Sports Stadium in Sekondi on Thursday, November 12, before playing the return fixture at the same venue on Monday, November 16, with both matches kicking off at 3:00 PM GMT.

The matches mark a return of the national team to the Essipong Stadium in Sekondi, which received temporary approval from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after Somalia's home grounds were disqualified. Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams expressed confidence in the team's preparations, stating that he has fulfilled his administrative duties to support the squad.

Adams noted in an interview with Channel One Sports, 'As Minister, I’ve done what I’m supposed to do. I want to leave the rest for the technical people to also perform their responsibility.' With maximum points urgently required from the upcoming fixtures, the technical team and players face immense pressure to deliver a successful campaign turnaround.