Kim Lars Björkegren names starting XI for Somalia AFCON qualifier

Interim Black Stars coach Kim Lars Björkegren has named his starting lineup for the crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Somalia. The match, scheduled for Thursday, November 12, at the Essipong Sports Stadium in Sekondi, is a must-win fixture for Ghana. After a difficult start to their Group C campaign, the Black Stars currently sit at the bottom of the table with zero points following consecutive defeats to Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia. Ghana is desperate to secure their first points of the campaign to keep their hopes alive for the tournament to be co-hosted by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.

The squad sees the significant return of several high-profile players who missed previous outings due to injury or other absences. West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus returns to the starting eleven after a prolonged absence, providing a much-needed creative spark in the attack. He is joined by captain Jordan Ayew, who has recovered from injury, and Arsenal’s Thomas Partey, who is expected to anchor the midfield. Defender Mohammed Salisu also returns to the fold to stabilize a backline that has struggled in recent matches, particularly after the 4-2 loss to The Gambia where Ghana surrendered a two-goal lead.

Coach Björkegren, who stepped in following the resignation of Carlos Queiroz, expressed confidence in his team's ability to showcase quality football despite the challenging circumstances. Speaking ahead of the game, the interim manager emphasized that the squad possesses the necessary talent to create scoring opportunities and secure a decisive victory. A primary tactical focus will be finding a suitable midfield partner for Partey to ensure a more organized defensive performance, which Björkegren identified as essential for success at the Essipong Sports Stadium.

The encounter at Essipong is the first of a double-header against Somalia, with the return leg scheduled for Monday, November 16. Although Somalia also enters the match without a point, they are seeking to leverage their nominal home advantage even while the fixture is played on Ghanaian territory. For the Black Stars, securing victory today is imperative to restore pride and boost morale before the return fixture. Failure to earn maximum points from these two games would severely jeopardize Ghana's chances of qualifying for the continental showpiece.