The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Central African Republic official Andre Onesime Kolissala-Mbangui as referee for Ghana’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Somalia.
The Black Stars will host Somalia in their Matchday 3 Group C fixture at the Essipong Sports Stadium on Thursday, November 12. Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 GMT.
Kolissala-Mbangui will be joined by compatriot Bozoy Oriya Zaoubaye Wilfried De, who has been selected as Assistant Referee I.
Equatorial Guinea’s Juan Ngua Nguema Eleng will serve as Assistant Referee II, while his compatriot Gerson Adolfo Mico Esono Angono has been appointed fourth official.
Nigeria’s Mohammed Sanusi will act as Match Commissioner, with Mali’s Dramane Dante taking responsibility as Referee Assessor.
Ghanaian official Danny Adotey has been named Broadcast Venue Manager for the match.
The appointment comes as Ghana attempt to recover from a difficult start to their qualifying campaign. The Black Stars have lost both of their opening Group C matches and are currently bottom of the section without a point.
Ghana began with a 2-0 defeat away to Ivory Coast before losing 4-2 at home to The Gambia. They had taken a two-goal lead in that match through Ernest Nuamah and Felix Afena-Gyan, but were unable to hold on for a result.
The setbacks have increased the importance of the meeting with Somalia, with Ghana needing maximum points to revive their hopes of reaching the 2027 AFCON.
Playing at home gives the Black Stars the opportunity to get their campaign back on course, but they will do so under pressure after failing to collect a point from their first two fixtures.
