Ghana interim head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren says the Black Stars must take maximum points from their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Somalia, while insisting they cannot afford to underestimate their opponents.
The two sides meet on Thursday, November 12, before facing each other again on Monday, November 16, 2026. Both matches are crucial for Ghana, who are attempting to recover from a difficult start in Group C.
“It’s not a secret that we need all six points, but we need to respect Somalia,” Bjorkegren said at Wednesday’s pre-match press conference at the Essipong Sports Stadium.
Ghana have yet to collect a point after losing their opening two matches in the qualifying campaign. They began with a 2-0 defeat by Cote d’Ivoire in Bouake, before suffering a damaging 4-2 home loss to The Gambia after surrendering a two-goal lead.
Those results have left the four-time African champions at the bottom of Group C and facing a difficult route towards qualification for the 2027 tournament.
The upcoming meetings with Somalia give Bjorkegren the chance to make an immediate impression after being appointed interim head coach for the November international window. The Swedish coach has responded by bringing several experienced players back into the squad.
Captain Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus, Thomas Partey and Daniel Kofi Kyereh are among those recalled as Ghana seek greater leadership and stability during the two fixtures. Bjorkegren has also included players who have been performing in the Ghana Premier League, providing an opportunity for domestic-based footballers to contribute to the campaign.
With only the top two teams in Group C guaranteed qualification, Ghana’s margin for error is extremely small. Two wins against Somalia would give the Black Stars a much-needed boost and improve their position in the group, although six points alone would not resolve the challenge created by their opening defeats.
Bjorkegren’s immediate task is to rebuild confidence within the team and address the defensive problems exposed in the loss to The Gambia. Ghana must also produce the discipline and concentration required to win both matches, rather than allowing another promising position to slip away.
The fixtures therefore offer more than an opportunity to add points. They represent Ghana’s first chance under Bjorkegren to halt their poor start, improve their organisation and keep their hopes of reaching the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alive.
