Black Stars to host Somalia at Essipong Stadium for AFCON qualifiers

Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku has confirmed that the Black Stars will host Somalia at the Essipong Sports Stadium in Sekondi for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match. The venue has received temporary approval from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to host the fixture, which is scheduled for November 12. This decision marks a shift for the national team, as the match will not take place at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The Black Stars are under significant pressure heading into this double-header after a disappointing start to the qualifying campaign. Following defeats in their opening two matches against Ivory Coast and The Gambia, former Ghana international Nii Odartey Lamptey has emphasized that the team must win both legs against Somalia to keep their qualification hopes alive. Lamptey called for unity and total commitment from both the players and the technical staff, noting that the selection made by interim head coach Kim Lars Björkegren will be crucial for success.

In response to the team's recent form, the technical team is reportedly considering major changes to the squad. Several players who featured during the October international break, including the likes of Sibo, Afriyie, and Gyan, face the possibility of being dropped for the upcoming fixtures. The coaching staff is focused on assembling the strongest possible side to secure the maximum six points from the two encounters and restore public confidence in the national team.

Following the home fixture in Sekondi, the Black Stars will travel for the return leg against Somalia on November 16. These matches are critical steps toward qualifying for the 2027 AFCON, which is set to be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda from June 19 to July 17, 2027. The upcoming window represents a pivotal moment for Ghana’s aspirations to participate in the continental showpiece.