Ghana beat Somalia to record first win in 2027 AFCON Qualifiers

The Black Stars of Ghana recorded their first victory in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers after cruising to a 2-0 win over Somalia at the Essipong Sports Stadium on Thursday afternoon.

Goals from Jonas Adjetey and Felix Afena-Gyan proved enough to secure all three points for Ghana after three matches in the qualifying campaign.

It was an entertaining encounter at the Essipong Sports Stadium, with the Black Stars taking control of proceedings and showing greater attacking intent from the opening stages.

Ghana made their intentions clear as early as the eighth minute when Jordan Ayew delivered a dangerous ball into the area, but Felix Afena-Gyan failed to make the necessary connection to direct it towards goal.

The Black Stars continued to push forward in search of an opener. Their efforts appeared to have paid off when Alidu Seidu was brought down inside the penalty area, earning Ghana a spot-kick.

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Captain Jordan Ayew stepped up to take responsibility but failed to convert, sending his effort straight into the hands of the Somali goalkeeper.

Despite the missed penalty, Ayew remained involved in Ghana's attacking play. The forward produced a strong run through midfield before unleashing a shot that narrowly missed the target.

Somalia, meanwhile, adopted a defensive approach, sitting deep and making it difficult for the hosts to find spaces in the final third. The visitors managed to frustrate Ghana for much of the opening 30 minutes as they looked to protect their goal.

However, the Black Stars eventually found the breakthrough through a well-worked set-piece. Mohammed Kudus delivered a corner kick, and Mohammed Salisu headed the ball back into the danger area, allowing Jonas Adjetey to rise above the defenders and power home a towering header.

The goal gave Ghana a deserved lead heading into the half-time break.

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Afena-Gyan doubles Ghana's lead after the break.

Ghana returned from the interval with the same attacking determination, maintaining their dominance on home soil.

Somalia continued to defend deep, keeping their defensive shape and attempting to catch the hosts on the counterattack. However, their approach did little to change the course of the contest as Ghana remained in control.

The Black Stars eventually doubled their advantage through Felix Afena-Gyan, who made amends for his earlier missed opportunities.

Just as Jordan Ayew was preparing to make way for Prince Adu Kwabena, the Ghana captain picked out Mohammed Kudus with a well-timed pass. Kudus then set up Afena-Gyan, who fired a powerful effort into the net to make it 2-0.

The goal put Ghana firmly in control and strengthened their chances of securing their first win of the qualifying campaign.

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Ghana pushes for a third goal.

With the game approaching its closing stages, the Black Stars continued to search for another goal.

In the 77th minute, Daniel Kofi-Kyereh came close to extending Ghana's advantage after unleashing a powerful effort, but the Somali goalkeeper produced a save to deny him.

Ghana continued to press for the remainder of the encounter, but the score remained 2-0 at full-time.

The victory gives the Black Stars their first win after three matches in the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.

Ghana will face Somalia again on Monday at the same venue, with the Black Stars hoping to secure another victory and build on their positive result.