Ghana interim head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren says his side must win both matches against Somalia in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, while warning his players not to underestimate their opponents.
The Black Stars have no points from their opening two Group C fixtures after defeats by Ivory Coast and The Gambia. Their results have left Ghana needing a strong response in the two-match meeting with Somalia if they are to revive their qualification campaign.
Ghana opened the qualifying series with a 2-0 loss to Ivory Coast before suffering a 4-2 defeat by The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium. The four-time African champions will now play Somalia twice in quick succession, with both fixtures taking place at the Essipong Sports Stadium.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Bjorkegren underlined the importance of taking the maximum return from the double-header.
“It’s not a secret that we need all six points, but we need to respect Somalia,” said the Swedish coach.
The first match is scheduled to begin at 14:00 GMT on Thursday. The return fixture will be played at the same venue on Monday, November 16.
Bjorkegren’s comments come as Ghana attempt to recover from a difficult start in Group C. The team’s two defeats have put added importance on the meetings with Somalia, which provide their next opportunity to collect points in the qualifying campaign.
Ghana are also seeking to return to the Africa Cup of Nations after missing the 2025 tournament in Morocco. They will be aiming to secure qualification for the 2027 edition, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
The Black Stars’ immediate focus is therefore on converting home advantage into victories while maintaining the level of respect Bjorkegren says Somalia deserve. Success in both games would give Ghana six points from the double-header and strengthen their attempt to avoid another disappointing qualifying campaign.