THE Black Stars will be looking to put their recent disappointments behind them when they host Somalia in the first leg of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers at the Essipon Sports Stadium in Sekondi-Takoradi today.
The 3 p.m. encounter presents interim coach, Kim Lars Björkegren, and his assistants, Ibrahim Tanko and Godwin Attram, with their first major opportunity to restore confidence in the team following Ghana’s successive defeats to Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia, which led to the dismissal of the former head coach, Carlos Queiroz.
With supporters demanding a response, the Black Stars will be under pressure to deliver a convincing performance and secure positive results in the double-header.
The two matches offer Ghana an opportunity to turn the page after a difficult period and begin the qualifying campaign on a positive note.
Björkegren has named a 24-man squad featuring a blend of experienced players and young talents for the assignment.
Goalkeepers Benjamin Asare, Lawrence Ati-Zigi and Joseph Anang are included, while the defence has Gideon Mensah, Alidu Seidu, Mohammed Salisu, Jerome Opoku, Jonas Adjetey, Isaac Afful, Kojo Peprah Oppong and Musa Hamzata.
In midfield, Thomas Partey is expected to provide leadership and experience alongside Caleb Yirenkyi, Etse Dogli, Rahim Ibrahim, Daniel Kofi Kyereh, Augustine Boakye and Ibrahim Sulemana.
The attacking options include Mohammed Kudus, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Jordan Ayew, Ibrahim Osman, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Felix Afena-Gyan, Emmanuel Annor and Prince Adu Kwabena.
Much will be expected from Kudus, whose creativity and ability to trouble defenders could give Ghana an advantage in attack.
Fatawu’s pace and direct running should also offer the team another attacking option, while the experience of Partey and Ayew could prove important in guiding the younger players.
However, the task before Björkegren goes beyond selecting talented players. He must quickly build understanding among the squad and find a system that allows the team to play with confidence and purpose.
Ghana will also need to be careful not to underestimate Somalia. The visitors will be hoping to frustrate the hosts and take something from the first leg.
As a side still chasing their first point in the qualifiers, they would push the Stars to extreme positions and capitalise on their defensive frailties to at least earn a point.
Playing at home gives the Black Stars an opportunity to make a strong statement before the return fixture. They will need to show greater discipline, improve their finishing and avoid the mistakes that contributed to their recent setbacks.
For the supporters, the expectation is simple: a team that plays with commitment, creates chances and delivers results.
The pressure is now on the players to respond on the pitch and give the new interim coach a positive start.
After the disappointment of the previous campaign, Ghana cannot afford another false start. The meeting with Somalia offers the Black Stars a chance to restore belief and give their supporters renewed hope on the road to the 2027 AFCON.
BY ENOCH NTIAMOAH SIAW
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