The context for this encounter is fraught with recent disappointment. Ghana missed out on qualification for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, marking their first absence from the continental tournament since 2004. Their start to the 2027 qualifiers has been even more turbulent. The team suffered a 2-0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké, followed by a shocking 4-2 home loss to The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium, a match in which Ghana had raced into a two-goal lead. These results have left the Black Stars rooted at the bottom of Group C with zero points after two matches, while both Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia sit on six points.
The poor results triggered significant upheaval within the technical setup. Head coach Carlos Queiroz, who had returned to lead the team after the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, resigned from his position. In response, the Ghana Football Association (GFA), in conjunction with the Ministry of Sports, appointed an interim technical team led by Kim Lars Björkegren, the current coach of the Black Queens. Assisting Björkegren are former Ghana international Ibrahim Tanko, Godwin Attram, and Fatawu Dauda, who will manage the goalkeepers.
Björkegren’s immediate task is tactical and psychological: to reverse a defensive collapse that has seen Ghana concede six goals in just two matches. The urgency is heightened by the squad news, which offers a mix of caution and optimism. The interim coach has named a 26-man squad that includes the return of several key players. Captain Jordan Ayew, who missed the opening qualifiers due to a groin injury, is back in the fold. Most significantly, Mohammed Kudus returns after a lengthy absence that kept him sidelined throughout 2026, including the World Cup. Daniel-Kofi Kyereh, a German-based midfielder, has received his first call-up in four years following a prolonged injury layoff since December 2022. Defenders Mohammed Salisu and Alidu Seidu are also back, providing much-needed reinforcement for a backline that has struggled with concentration and organization.
These returns address some of the absences that plagued Queiroz’s initial preparations. Ahead of the opening matches, Ghana had suffered major withdrawals, including Ayew, Kudus, Antoine Semenyo (ankle), and Nathaniel Adjei (thigh). Queiroz had noted the challenge of having up to ten players unavailable, stating, “There is no time for big decisions, only to deliver results.” Now, under Björkegren, the focus shifts to immediate execution. The new technical staff must improve the side’s composure and game management, particularly in protecting leads, a flaw exposed decisively in the loss to The Gambia.
Striker Felix Afena-Gyan, one of the new faces added to the squad during the initial selection, remains vocal about the team’s potential. “On our chances of qualifying, there is still hope,” Afena-Gyan said. “Despite losing our opening matches, nothing is lost.” His sentiment reflects the determination within the camp to use the support of home fans in the Western Region as a catalyst for change. However, the mathematical reality is stark. To secure qualification for the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, Ghana realistically requires victories in all four remaining matches.
Securing two wins against Somalia would move the Black Stars to six points, placing them level with the leaders and keeping them firmly in contention. This would set the stage for the final two decisive fixtures: a home match against Côte d’Ivoire and an away trip to The Gambia. Both opponents are currently on six points, meaning every point dropped against Somalia could prove fatal. The double-header format, with both matches played at Essipong, offers Ghana the advantage of familiarity and consistent home support, but it also compresses the timeline for recovery and adjustment.
For Björkegren and his staff, the priority is addressing the defensive frailties and psychological lapses that have defined the campaign so far. Improved organization and concentration will be essential to avoid further costly mistakes. As the Black Stars prepare for the kickoff, the weight of history and the shadow of the 2025 absence hang over the team. The path to Africa is narrow, but with key stars returning and the stakes elevated, the opportunity for redemption remains open.
The next major milestone for the Black Stars is the conclusion of the Somalia double-header. A perfect response will see them return to the top of the table, while any slip-up will likely condemn them to watching the 2027 AFCON from the sidelines, extending their continental drought to a third consecutive cycle.
