Ghana’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign has reached a point where anything less than six points from two matches against Somalia would leave their qualification hopes in serious danger.
The Black Stars must win at Essipong on Thursday and repeat that result on Monday after defeats by Cote d’Ivoire and The Gambia left them bottom of Group C without a point.
Ghana are six points behind the two group leaders, with only the top two qualifying. Even two victories over Somalia would take them to six points after four matches, rather than guarantee a place at the tournament.
The situation could become more difficult this month, with Cote d’Ivoire and The Gambia facing each other twice. At least one of those sides, and possibly both, will add to their points total before Ghana meet them in March.
A double victory would therefore keep the qualification route open, but would not erase the damage already done.
Ghana’s performances have raised concerns beyond the results. Their 2-0 defeat by Cote d’Ivoire exposed defensive weaknesses, while the 4-2 home loss to The Gambia, after Ghana had taken a two-goal lead, highlighted a failure to manage a position of strength.
Six goals conceded in two matches point to a collective problem rather than the shortcomings of individual defenders alone.
Interim coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren must therefore be judged on more than the final score. His immediate challenge is to restore Ghana’s ability to control matches after taking the lead.
The Black Stars need to maintain compact defensive distances, protect midfield when possession changes and recognise when to press and when to slow the game. When they are ahead, they must control events rather than allow another collapse.
Bjorkegren deserves a fair assessment. His work with the Black Queens showed organisational ability and an understanding of collective responsibility, although success in women’s football does not guarantee an immediate solution with the senior men’s team.
Working with experienced assistants Ibrahim Tanko and Godwin Attram, the Swede has days rather than months to establish straightforward principles the players can follow. Ghana need structure and composure, not a wholesale tactical reinvention.
The senior players must also accept responsibility. Jordan Ayew is expected to set the leadership standard, Mohammed Kudus must combine creativity with discipline if available, and Mohammed Salisu must strengthen the defence if fit.
Every experienced international has to communicate, remain focused and respond decisively when momentum shifts. With Antoine Semenyo absent, Ghana must create and defend collectively instead of relying on individual brilliance.
Somalia cannot be dismissed as easy opponents. They also lost their opening two matches, but pushed The Gambia before a 2-1 defeat and then lost 2-0 to Cote d’Ivoire. Both games will be played at Essipong, although the second is officially Somalia’s home fixture.
Familiar surroundings and home support give Ghana an advantage, but they cannot replace preparation or respect.
The Ghana Football Association must also confront the wider decline. Missing the previous Africa Cup of Nations should have led to lasting corrective action, yet Ghana are again trying to recover from a poor start.
Under Kurt Simeon-Okraku, the FA must ensure player availability, medical and logistical readiness, coherent technical support and a clear plan beyond the interim appointment.
Winning twice is essential, but Ghana need to do so with authority, concentration and game intelligence. Six points would begin to repair the damage; sustained control would suggest they are learning from it.
