CAF names officials for Somalia vs Ghana AFCON 2027 clash

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed a team of Namibian match officials to oversee the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier between Somalia and Ghana.

The Group fixture is scheduled to take place on Monday, November 16, 2026, at the Essipong Sports Stadium, with kick-off set for 15:00 GMT.

Namibian referee Mweshitsama Negongo Naftal has been selected as the centre referee for the encounter. He will be assisted by compatriots Alex Muzibwane Lumponjani, who will serve as Assistant Referee I, and Klaus Masati Bonifatius, appointed as Assistant Referee II.

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Another Namibian, Petrus Amutenya, will complete the refereeing team as the fourth official.

CAF has also named Sekamana Abdoul Khaliq of Rwanda as the Match Commissioner, while Uganda's Brian Nsubuga Miiro will serve as the Referee Assessor.

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Ghanaian official Danny Adotey has been appointed as the Broadcast Venue Manager for the match.

Ghana Target AFCON 2027 Qualifying Revival

Ghana will head into the encounter looking to revive their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign after suffering defeats in their opening two matches against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia.

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The Black Stars will face pressure to earn maximum points against Somalia in order to revive their qualification hopes.

Ghana will aim to capitalise on the six points available from their two meetings with Somalia to enhance their standing in the qualifying group.

The appointment of the match officials marks another important step towards the November 16 encounter as Ghana prepare for a crucial test in their bid to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.