Black Stars forward Brandon Thomas-Asante says Ghana must approach their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Somalia with determination and a clear sense of purpose as they attempt to revive their hopes of reaching the tournament.

Published 11 Nov 2026, 17:20 GMT

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Black Stars forward Brandon Thomas-Asante says Ghana must approach their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Somalia with determination and a clear sense of purpose as they attempt to revive their hopes of reaching the tournament.

The four-time African champions are under pressure heading into Thursday's encounter after suffering defeats in their opening two Group C matches, leaving them without a point in the qualification campaign.

Thomas-Asante has urged his teammates to make the most of the opportunity, expressing confidence in the quality within the squad assembled for the crucial double-header.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference at the Essipong Sports Stadium ahead of the first meeting, the forward stressed that the players understand what is at stake and are focused on delivering the required performances.

"We understand the task at hand and everyone is hear on [a] mission. We are here knowing we have to maximize this opportunity. We believe we have that quality and we can show it in these games."

His comments reflect the urgency surrounding Ghana's campaign, with the Black Stars needing a significant improvement in results to keep their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alive.

Ghana's difficulties began with a 2-0 defeat away to Côte d'Ivoire in Bouaké, where they failed to secure a positive result against their West African rivals.

The situation subsequently worsened in their home fixture against The Gambia. Despite establishing a two-goal advantage, the Black Stars were unable to protect their lead and eventually suffered a disappointing 4-2 defeat.

Those consecutive losses have left Ghana in a difficult position in Group C, increasing the importance of their upcoming fixtures against Somalia.

The Black Stars now face the challenge of turning their campaign around, with maximum points from the two matches considered essential to keeping their qualification ambitions on course.

Interim head coach Kim Lars Björkegren has assembled an experienced squad for the double-header, with Thomas-Asante among the players expected to play an important role in Ghana's efforts to secure the desired results.

The forward's confidence in the squad's ability will be important as Ghana look to translate their individual quality into performances capable of producing victories.

The first encounter will take place at the Essipong Sports Stadium on Thursday, November 12, with the Black Stars hosting Somalia in the opening fixture.

Both sides will meet again four days later, on Monday, November 16, 2026, when Ghana travel for the return fixture.

With their qualification campaign already under pressure, the Black Stars will be eager to take advantage of the two opportunities against Somalia and collect the points needed to revive their hopes of reaching the continental showpiece.

Thomas-Asante urges Black Stars to seize Somalia opportunity

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