AFCON 2027Q – Black Stars : Deeds not Words

It is that time again. The Black Stars are set to face Somalia — yes, Somalia.

After failing to take their chances against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia, both away and at home, Ghana’s national team finds itself under renewed pressure. The side failed to qualify for the last AFCON, and the recent draw that pitted them against Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia and Somalia has reopened old wounds that still refuse to heal. Those responsible for fixing the team’s problems continue to fall short.

In the two qualifying matches against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia, the Black Stars looked spineless — lacking direction, purpose and ambition. Against Côte d’Ivoire they failed to hit the right notes and lost 2-0. Few were surprised. Hervé Renard’s side knew exactly what they were doing.

When Jonathan McKinstry’s well-drilled and disciplined Gambia side came to Accra and put four goals past Ghana, it was no shock either. It was the product of months of intensive preparation meeting a team that had nothing working.

Everything about the Black Stars currently looks bleak and dire. Things could get even worse if they fail to maximise the double home fixtures against Somalia, starting on Thursday, 12 November 2026.

There are, however, small signs of hope. The return of Mohammed Kudus comes at a time when the team has been starved of creativity. His presence after missing the World Cup should inject some much-needed spark.

Kofi Kyereh is also back in the squad after 38 long months on the sidelines. That absence must have weighed heavily on him, but his creative ability has always given Ghanaians something to savour. Fans will be hoping he gets the chance to make his long-awaited return and remind everyone of what he can offer.

It goes without saying that the local contingent (Emmanuel Annor,Etse Dogli, Hamzata Musah, Isaac Afful) would be waiting earnestly on the beach for an opportunity to show what fibre they are made of against Somalia in Essipong to Ghanains.

For a team that has looked bereft of ideas for too long, these home games against Somalia represent a chance to restore some belief and begin stitching the wounds that have been left open for far too long.