Ghana vs Somalia: Head-to-head, key players and what to expect

The Black Stars will be desperate to revive their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign when they host Somalia at the Essipong Sports Stadium on Thursday, November 12, 2026.

Ghana have endured a difficult start to Group C, losing 2-0 to Ivory Coast in Bouaké before suffering a shocking 4-2 home defeat to The Gambia, despite taking a two-goal lead.

Those results have left the four-time African champions bottom of the group without a point, making the double-header against Somalia particularly important.

Recent form

Ghana head into the encounter on the back of four consecutive defeats, having also lost to Colombia and Croatia at the 2026 World Cup before their AFCON qualifying setbacks.

Their only positive result in their last five matches was a goalless draw against England.

Somalia have managed two draws and suffered three defeats in their last five outings, including consecutive losses to The Gambia and Ivory Coast in the ongoing qualifiers.

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They also played out goalless draws against Mauritius in March, while their 0-0 draw with Oman in November 2025 ended in a penalty shootout defeat.

Head-to-head record

Ghana have historically dominated their meetings with Somalia, winning both previous encounters.

The two sides first met in the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in November 2003, with Ghana recording a 5-0 away victory before securing a 2-0 win in the return fixture.

The Black Stars therefore have a perfect record against the Ocean Stars, scoring seven goals without conceding.

Key players to watch

Mohammed Kudus is arguably Ghana’s biggest attacking boost after returning to the squad following a lengthy injury absence that kept him out of international football throughout 2026.

Thomas Partey will be important in midfield, while Jordan Ayew brings experience and leadership to the attack.

Brandon Thomas-Asante could also play a decisive role as Ghana seek goals against a Somali side expected to defend in numbers.

Somalia’s danger men

Somalia will be looking towards Bilal Njie, who scored their only goal in the 2-1 defeat to The Gambia.

Abdi Sharif, Mukhtar Suleiman and Sakariya Hassan are other players who featured in their recent qualifiers and could cause problems for Ghana.

The Ocean Stars also showed defensive resilience against Ivory Coast, holding the African champions goalless until the 89th minute before conceding twice in the closing stages.

What to expect

Ghana will be expected to dominate possession and create opportunities, but their defensive organisation will remain a major concern after conceding six goals in two qualifiers.

Interim coach Kim Lars Björkegren will be under pressure to deliver an immediate response, with victories in both matches essential to restoring Ghana’s qualification hopes.

Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00 pm GMT.

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