The short version
- Ghana defeated Somalia 2-0 to halt a two-match losing streak in their qualifying group.
- Ivory Coast and DR Congo maintained unbeaten starts with victories over The Gambia and Sierra Leone respectively.
- Senegal and Cameroon also secured wins, keeping them on track for the tournament hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Ghana has finally registered a victory in its bid to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, defeating Somalia by two goals to nil. The result marks a significant turnaround for the Black Stars, who had suffered defeats in their opening two Group C matches against Ivory Coast and The Gambia. Those early losses precipitated the departure of head coach Carlos Queiroz, who left the position by mutual consent earlier this month.
Kim Bjorkegren, previously the coach of the Ghana women’s national team, assumed interim control for this month’s double-header. The stakes were high, as the four-time continental champions faced the prospect of missing a second consecutive edition of the finals. The match took place in Sekondi-Takoradi, where the hosts sought to salvage their campaign against the Ocean Stars.
Ghana had an early opportunity to take the lead when Alidu Seidu was brought down inside the penalty area. Jordan Ayew, who joined Sheffield United in September after two seasons with Leicester City, stepped up to take the resulting spot-kick in the 14th minute. However, his effort was denied by Somalia goalkeeper Ibrahim Hussein, leaving the score level at the break.
The deadlock was broken in first-half stoppage time following a deep corner delivered by Mohammed Kudus. Mohammed Salisu headed the ball back across the goal line, allowing Jonas Adjetey to nod it home from close range. This goal provided Ghana with a crucial advantage before halftime, shifting momentum firmly in favor of the hosts.
Felix Afena-Gyan secured the victory shortly after the hour mark. His shot from inside the box managed to evade Hussein and cross the line, doubling Ghana’s lead to 2-0. The win provides a much-needed boost for Bjorkegren’s interim side, although they remain six points behind group leaders Ivory Coast.
Ivory Coast extended their perfect record in Group C with a 2-1 victory over The Gambia in Bouake. Brighton midfielder Malick Yalcouye opened the scoring from seven yards out, and Elye Wahi doubled the lead before Musa Barrow managed to pull one goal back for the visitors prior to halftime. The Elephants continue to dominate their group standings.
Elsewhere in the qualifying rounds, Senegal moved to the top of Group J with a 4-1 home win over Sudan. Nicolas Jackson, who has scored 11 goals in 17 appearances this season for club and country, set the Teranga Lions on their way. Aston Villa teammate Ibrahim Mbaye also contributed to the scoring effort under manager Patrick Vieira.
Cameroon remained unbeaten in Group G, securing a comfortable 2-0 victory over Namibia in Douala to reach seven points. Meanwhile, DR Congo continued their flawless start with a 3-1 triumph over Sierra Leone in Kinshasa. Newcastle United striker Yoane Wissa opened the scoring for the Leopards, who sit at the top of Group E with nine points.
Nigeria received an indirect boost as group leaders Guinea-Bissau were held to a 1-1 draw against Madagascar in neutral Morocco. The Super Eagles trail Guinea-Bissau by four points ahead of their upcoming home fixture against Tanzania. Tanzania is already assured a place at the tournament as a co-host alongside Kenya and Uganda.
The third round of qualifying fixtures continues with several key matches scheduled for Friday. Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, and South Africa are among the teams in action across 12 fixtures. In Group D, Guinea moved level on points with table-toppers South Africa after defeating Eritrea 2-1 in Conakri.
Sources behind this briefing
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- BBC Sport↗Ghana kick-start Afcon 2027 bid despite Ayew penalty miss
