What happened in the match between Ghana and Somalia in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations?

What happened in the match between Ghana and Somalia in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers?

Ghana has finally restarted its qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, after defeating Somalia 2-0 at home.

The Black Stars faced defeat in their first two matches of Group C, which they played against Ivory Coast and Gambia. These results led to the resignation of coach Carlos Queiroz, after both parties mutually agreed.

The coach of the Ghana women's team, Kim Bjorkegren, has been temporarily assigned to lead the men's team, to manage the two matches they are playing against Somalia this month. The West African team was at risk of missing out for the second consecutive time on participating in the final tournament of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Ghana had the opportunity to score early in the match held in the city of Sekondi-Takoradi, after Alidu Seidu was pulled down inside the penalty area. However, the penalty taken by Jordan Ayew in the 14th minute was saved by Somalia's goalkeeper, Ibrahim Hussein.

Ghana eventually took the lead at the end of the first half, when Mohammed Salisu headed in a long corner taken by Mohammed Kudus, returning the ball to the goal area, where Jonas Adjetey scored with a header while being close to the goal.

Felix Afena-Gyan scored the second goal for the Black Stars. He shot the ball from inside the penalty area, which slipped through the hands of goalkeeper Xuseen, crossing the goal line.

Ghana, which has won the continental cup four times, is still six points behind the Group C leaders Ivory Coast, who have strengthened their perfect winning record after defeating Gambia 2-1 in the city of Bouake.

The midfielder from Brighton, Malick Yalcouye, scored the first goal from seven yards out, while Elye Wahi netted the second goal for Ivory Coast. Musa Barrow pulled one goal back for the visiting team before the end of the first half.

In other matches played on Thursday, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Senegal all achieved victories, as they continue on the path to qualify for next year's tournament taking place in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

The third round of the qualifying matches will continue on Friday, with Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, and South Africa among the teams playing. A total of 12 matches will be played.

Nicolas Jackson led Senegal to a 4-1 victory over Sudan at their home ground, in a match that was part of Group J. Ibrahim Mbaye, his teammate from Aston Villa, also scored in the game, playing for the team led by Patrick Vieira in the city of Dakar.