Ghana’s Black Stars must win both matches against Somalia to revive their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams says.
Ghana face Somalia at the Essipong Sports Stadium in Sekondi-Takoradi on Thursday, November 12, before travelling for the return fixture four days later.
The Black Stars are bottom of Group C without a point after two matches, having suffered successive defeats by Ivory Coast and The Gambia.
Adams believes the team can respond by collecting all six available points in the double-header. Speaking to Asempa FM, he said the players had shown encouraging energy and appeared psychologically prepared for the challenge.
“I believe that the next two games that we have in this window, we should be able to get all the points that are available,” said the Buem MP.
The minister acknowledged, however, that the squad’s response to its difficult position had not been as encouraging as it was during previous international windows. He also said he hoped the players would avoid injuries as training and preparations intensify.
Adams has called on supporters, especially those in the Western and Central regions, to attend in significant numbers when the Black Stars return to the area after a lengthy absence.
He believes vocal backing from the stands could help Ghana secure the results required, and urged fans to match the enthusiasm they showed the Black Queens during their recent matches.
“They need our continuous support. They need our prayers, and I believe that the energy in the team is quite good,” he added.
The minister said he had spoken to the players and had been encouraged by their individual mentality. He stressed, though, that the technical team and management must now bring the squad together and develop the collective spirit needed to beat Somalia.
“As Minister, I’ve done what I’m supposed to do, and I believe it is for the technical team to also perform their responsibility,” he said.
The interim technical team is led by Kim Lars Bjorkegren, with Ibrahim Tanko and Godwin Attram serving as assistants. The group is expected to announce Ghana’s squad for the two matches in the coming days.
Ghana are seeking a return to the Africa Cup of Nations after missing the previous edition, staged in Morocco.
Their qualification prospects are already under pressure following the opening defeats, making maximum points against Somalia essential to reviving the campaign and improving their chances of progressing from Group C.
