Black Stars forward Brandon Thomas-Asante says Ghana must show determination and make full use of their opportunity against Somalia as they attempt to revive their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign.
The four-time African champions have lost both of their opening Group C matches and are yet to register a point. Their next two fixtures, against Somalia, have therefore taken on added importance.
Thomas-Asante said the squad understood the scale of the task and believed it possessed the quality needed to respond during the double-header.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference at Essipong Sports Stadium before Thursday’s opening meeting, the forward said Ghana’s players were focused on producing the performances required to keep their campaign alive.
“We understand the task at hand and everyone is here on a mission. We are here knowing we have to maximize this opportunity. We believe we have that quality and we can show it in these games,” he said.
Ghana began their qualifying campaign with a 2-0 defeat by Cote d’Ivoire in Bouake, failing to take anything from their away match against their West African rivals.
Their position deteriorated further in their following fixture against The Gambia. The Black Stars led 2-0 at home but were unable to hold on, eventually losing 4-2.
The back-to-back defeats have left Ghana under pressure in Group C and increased the importance of the two matches with Somalia. Maximum points across the fixtures are viewed as essential if the Black Stars are to maintain realistic hopes of reaching the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Interim head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren has named an experienced squad for the double-header, with Thomas-Asante among those expected to play a significant part in Ghana’s attempt to secure the results they need.
The forward’s belief in the group will be tested as Ghana seek to turn their individual quality into performances capable of producing their first victories of the qualification campaign.
The first match will be played at Essipong Sports Stadium on Thursday, November 12, with Ghana hosting Somalia.
The teams will meet again four days later, on Monday, November 16, 2026, when Ghana travel for the return fixture.
Ghana must now take advantage of both opportunities if they are to collect the points required to revive their hopes of appearing at the continental tournament.
