Ghana, four-time winners of the Africa Cup of Nations, earned their first qualifying points for the 2027 tournament with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Somalia in Sekondi. The Black Stars, led by interim coach Kim-Lars Bjorkegren, had lost their opening two Group C games, leading to the departure of veteran coach Carlos Queiroz. Captain Jordan Ayew had a penalty saved in the 14th minute, but Jonas Adjetey's header in first-half stoppage time put Ghana ahead.
Somalia, ranked 200th in the world, proved to be stubborn opposition, but Felix Afena-Gyna added a second goal for Ghana soon after the break, securing the win. The victory moved Ghana up the Group C standings, but they still have a long way to go to secure qualification. Ghana's next match will be crucial in determining their chances of advancing to the next round. The team's performance has been under scrutiny since their disappointing start to the campaign.
In other matches, Democratic Republic of Congo beat Sierra Leone 3-1 at home, with Yoane Wissa scoring in the fourth minute and Samuel Moutoussamy adding a superb goal in the 35th minute. Midfielder Edo Kayembe scored the third goal early in the second half, moving DR Congo closer to securing early qualification. The Congolese are five points clear of Equatorial Guinea and Zimbabwe, who played out a goalless draw. DR Congo's win has boosted their confidence ahead of their next match.
Senegal, awaiting a court decision on their status as Africa champions, posted a 4-1 triumph over Sudan in new coach Patrick Vieira's home debut. Despite being held 1-1 at halftime, Senegal scored three goals in the second half through Boulaye Dia, Ibrahim Mbaye, and debutant Pathe Mboup. The win ensured Senegal top Group J, and they will look to maintain their momentum in their next match. Senegal's performance has been impressive under their new coach.
Cameroon secured a 2-0 home win over Namibia, with Saidou Alioum and Bil Nsongo scoring in the first half hour in Douala. The Indomitable Lions fielded a youthful side, with 27-year-old captain Bryan Mbeumo the oldest player. Ivory Coast also won, beating Gambia 2-1 at home, despite struggling against the tiny nation. Malick Yalcouye and Elye Wahi put Ivory Coast ahead, but Musa Barrow pulled one back to ensure an uncomfortable finish for the hosts.
Other results saw Benin trounce the Central African Republic 4-1 in Group F, with Aiyegun Tosin scoring a double. Guinea beat Eritrea 2-1 in Group D, and there were 12 qualifiers scheduled for Friday and three on Saturday as the group preliminaries reach the halfway mark. The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations finals are being co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda from June 19-July 17 next year. The tournament promises to be an exciting event.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign is heating up, with several teams vying for a spot in the finals. Ghana's win over Somalia has given them a boost, but they still face tough competition from other teams in Group C. The next round of matches will be crucial in determining which teams will advance to the next stage. Fans can expect more exciting matches as the tournament progresses.
Key points
- Ghana earned their first Africa Cup of Nations qualifying points with a 2-0 win over Somalia.
