Ghana's Black Stars Revive AFCON Campaign with 2-0 Win over Somalia

Ghana's Black Stars have revived their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 2-0 win over Somalia's Ocean Stars. The match took place on November 13, 2026, and marked a much-needed victory for the team after a frustrating start to their campaign. Goals from defender Jonas Adjetey and striker Felix Afena-Gyan helped Ghana climb into third place in Group C. The win restored confidence ahead of their return encounter with Somalia on Monday at the same venue.

The Black Stars started with urgency and intensity, taking control of possession and pushing Somalia deep into their own half. Despite dominating the game, they struggled to create clear-cut scoring opportunities. Their first major chance came in the 13th minute when Alidu Seidu was brought down by Abdi Sharif inside the penalty area, resulting in a penalty. However, captain Jordan Ayew's spot kick was saved by goalkeeper Ibrahim Ahmed Hussein in the 14th minute.

The missed penalty appeared to take some sting out of Ghana's early attacking rhythm. Although the Stars continued to enjoy possession, their attacking movements became less threatening as the Somalis gradually grew in confidence. Just when it seemed the first half would end goalless, Adjetey broke the deadlock in added time with a header from Mohammed Salisu following a corner kick from Mohammed Kudus.

The Black Stars came back stronger in the second half, dictating the pace of the game. However, it was Somalia who managed their first shot on target in the 60th minute. A minute later, the Stars quickly turned defence into attack, with Kudus finding Afena-Gyan behind the box. Afena-Gyan slipped the ball under an onrushing Ahmed Hussein to double Ghana's advantage.

Interim Black Stars coach Kim Lars Björkegren made several substitutions, bringing on Prince Kwabena Adu for Afena-Gyan and Ibrahim Sulemana for Alidu Seidu. Daniel-Kofi Kyereh replaced Ayew for his first Black Stars appearance since the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The Somalis pushed forward for a goal and came close in the 70th minute, but goalkeeper Benjamin Asare dealt with the strike from Musse Jalani.

Ghana could have increased their tally in the final moments of the game, but Kwabena Adu reacted late in front of goal, allowing Ahmed Hussein to come off his line to save the situation. The victory moves Ghana to third on the log with three points, ahead of Somalia, who are pointless and below The Gambia and Côte d’Ivoire, who are three points better than Ghana.

The result provides the Black Stars with a timely boost following their difficult opening two matches and sets up another meeting with Somalia on Monday at the same venue. The win was a significant improvement for the team, who had lost their opening two matches. With this victory, Ghana has kept their AFCON campaign alive, and fans will be eagerly anticipating their next match.

Key points

• The Black Stars secured a much-needed 2-0 victory over Somalia, reviving their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations campaign.