Ghana’s interim head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren says victory is non-negotiable as the Black Stars attempt to revive their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign against Somalia.
The four-time African champions have made a poor start to Group C, losing their opening two matches and leaving themselves without a point. They were beaten 2-0 by Ivory Coast away from home before suffering a 4-2 defeat by The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium.
That combination of results has placed Ghana under immediate pressure, with Bjorkegren insisting that his side must respond in the first match of their double-header against Somalia.
“A win. Simple as that, but that’s what we need. It’s not just about me or something specific,” he said.
The Swedish coach believes Ghana’s players have sufficient quality to produce the performances required, provided they reproduce their club form and work collectively.
“I have to let the guys know they are so good, repeat what they do at club level and support each other on the pitch, then I am positive we will get the results,” Bjorkegren added.
Ghana will face Somalia at the Essipong Sports Stadium on Thursday, November 12, with kick-off scheduled for 14:00 GMT.
The teams will return to the same venue for the second meeting on Monday, November 16. The Black Stars are targeting six points from the two games to keep their qualification hopes alive.
The fixtures come as Ghana seek to return to the continental tournament after failing to qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
The 2027 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Ghana are determined to secure a place at the tournament and avoid another disappointing qualifying campaign.
