Kim Lars Björkegren warns Black Stars against underestimating Somalia

Ghana’s interim head coach, Kim Lars Björkegren, has called for discipline and respect as the Black Stars prepare for a critical 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Somalia. Stepping in following the resignation of Carlos Queiroz, Björkegren faces the immediate challenge of reviving Ghana’s qualification campaign. The four-time African champions currently sit at the bottom of Group C after losing their opening two matches, making the upcoming fixtures a crucial opportunity for the national side to recover.

Speaking ahead of the encounters, Björkegren emphasized that while securing all six available points is the primary objective, the team must not allow complacency to set in. He cautioned his players against underestimating the Somalian side, despite Ghana’s superior historical standing in African football. The interim manager acknowledged that while preparation time has been limited due to the timing of his appointment, he remains optimistic about the team’s performance and the quality available within the squad.

Both legs of the qualifier will take place at the Sekondi Sports Stadium, providing a home-ground advantage for both fixtures. The first match is scheduled for Thursday at 3:00 PM, with the reverse fixture set to follow on Monday. Hosting both matches in Ghana provides a strategic benefit for the Black Stars as they seek to climb out of the bottom of the group standings and keep their qualification hopes alive.

The shift in leadership comes at a delicate time for Ghanaian football, with fans demanding a turnaround in performance after a poor start to the group stage. Björkegren’s focus on showing respect for the opponent signals a pragmatic approach to a fixture that is vital for the team's progress. As the squad settles into their camp in Sekondi, the focus remains entirely on securing the maximum six points needed to restore confidence and stabilize the road to the 2027 tournament.