Ghana on the brink of another setback: Ghana vs Somalia prediction
The third-round 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match between Ghana and Somalia will take place on November 12, 2026, at Accra Sports Stadium in Accra. Both teams opened their qualifying campaigns with two defeats and have yet to earn a point in Group C. The upcoming clash carries particular significance for the four-time African champions, as another setback could seriously jeopardize their bid to return to the continental tournament.
Ghana: coaching change must halt a prolonged crisis
Ghana are going through a difficult spell after a poor start to qualifying. In the opening round, the Black Stars lost 2-0 to Ivory Coast before suffering a painful 4-2 home defeat to Gambia, despite leading by two goals during the match. That result extended their prolonged slump: the team have now gone eight consecutive Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches without a win.
The federation’s leadership has moved to turn things around, parting ways with Carlos Queiroz and appointing Kim Lars Björkegren as interim coach. The returns of Mohammed Kudus and captain Jordan Ayew, who missed the previous matches through injury, should provide a major boost. Ghana will, however, be without Antoine Semenyo and Yan Gyamerah, while the coaching staff’s main task will be to restore the players’ confidence and address the defensive mistakes.
Somalia: stubborn underdogs banking on a historic opportunity
Somalia also began the group stage with two defeats, but managed to put up a fight against stronger opponents in both matches. Yusuf Ali’s side lost 2-1 to Gambia, with Bilal Njie equalizing in the second half, but they could not hold on for a draw. Somalia then fell 2-0 to Ivory Coast, conceding both goals in the final six minutes.
Despite having no points, the visitors still have some reason for optimism. The national team are aiming to reach the Africa Cup of Nations finals for the first time, and their performances against the group favorites show they can stay organized defensively. Much will depend on forward Bilal Njie, who has been involved in eight goals across his last nine club and international appearances.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Ghana have gone eight consecutive Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches without a win
- Both teams lost their opening two qualifying matches and are yet to earn a point
- Somalia conceded four goals in their previous two matches against Gambia and Ivory Coast, scoring just once
Hosts must make their superior quality count: Ghana vs Somalia prediction
Ghana will head into this clash under significant pressure, but they have a far stronger squad on paper. The returns of Kudus and Ayew should give the team more options in attack, while the coaching change could provide an added emotional lift. After two defeats, the hosts need to take the initiative from the opening minutes, as dropping points against Somalia would leave them with very little room for further mistakes.
The visitors are likely to sit deep and look for quick transitions, hoping to reproduce their better spells against Gambia and Ivory Coast. However, it will be difficult to withstand the pressure of a more talented opponent for the full 90 minutes. If Ghana can avoid their previous defensive errors and make their individual quality count, they have a good chance of claiming their first win of the qualifying campaign.
