Ghana’s Black Stars have recorded their first victory in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers following a 2-0 win over Somalia at the Essipong Sports Stadium on Thursday.
Defender Jonas Adjetey and forward Felix Afena-Gyan scored in either half to hand the four-time African champions a much-needed victory and revive their qualification campaign.
Ghana went into the encounter seeking to recover from defeats in their opening two matches, having lost 2-4 to Gambia before suffering a 0-2 defeat against Côte d’Ivoire.
The Black Stars started brightly and nearly took the lead in the eighth minute when Jordan Ayew delivered a dangerous ball into the penalty area, but Afena-Gyan failed to connect.
Ghana continued to dominate proceedings and earned a penalty after Alidu Seidu was brought down inside the box. However, captain Jordan Ayew failed to convert from the spot, with his effort saved by the Somali goalkeeper.
Despite the setback, the hosts maintained their attacking pressure and eventually broke the deadlock through a well-executed set-piece.
Mohammed Kudus delivered a corner, which Mohammed Salisu redirected into a dangerous area before Adjetey rose highest to head home and give Ghana the lead before the break.
The Black Stars resumed the second half with renewed determination, controlling possession and searching for a second goal, while Somalia remained largely defensive in an attempt to contain the hosts.
Ghana eventually doubled their advantage through Afena-Gyan, who finished powerfully after a move involving Ayew and Kudus to put the result beyond the visitors.
The hosts continued to push for more goals, with Daniel Kofi-Kyereh coming close in the 77th minute, but his powerful effort was saved by the Somali goalkeeper.
Ghana managed the closing stages effectively to secure all three points and register their first win after three matches in the qualifying campaign.
The Black Stars will face Somalia again on Monday at the same venue in the return fixture, hoping to build on the victory and strengthen their chances of qualifying for the 2027 AFCON.
