Former Ghana international Nii Odartey Lamptey has described the Black Stars’ upcoming double-header against Somalia as must-win matches if the team are to keep their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alive.

Ghana are scheduled to face Somalia in the third and fourth rounds of the qualifiers, with the first encounter set for November 12 and the return fixture four days later. Both matches are expected to be played on home soil.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s , Odartey Lamptey urged the interim technical team to secure maximum points from the two encounters, insisting that anything less could seriously damage Ghana’s qualification prospects.

“I think the two matches against Somalia: if we want to qualify for AFCON, no matter what, we have to win these two matches, and then we make sure we concentrate on the next match. The coaches who have been given the job will have to do whatever it takes to win these two matches,” he said.

The former midfielder also highlighted the importance of national team appearances in helping players improve their profiles and increase their market value.

He believes representing Ghana should be a source of pride and motivation for players, urging them to approach international assignments with commitment and passion.

“Honouring national call-ups markets and raises your value. But things have changed, so it’s up to the nation, coaches and management to enshrine the love in the players to make them feel at home when they honour the call-ups,” he added.

Odartey further stressed that playing for the national team should be regarded as a privilege, while encouraging players to recognise the professional benefits of representing their country.

He, however, believes the responsibility of building a committed national team should not rest solely on the players, insisting that management must also create an environment that makes them feel valued.

“It’s a privilege to be called to represent their country, so I think so far as we benefit from it, we have to be passionate and committed to the team.

“So, individually, I think the players have to see that they benefit from the job they are doing, and management should show love and commitment to hold the team together so that when they are called, they respond passionately to it.

“At the end of the day, it markets you. As soon as you wear the nation’s colours, it raises your value.”

Meanwhile, the interim technical team, led by Kim Lars Björkegren and assisted by Ibrahim Tanko and Godwin Attram, is expected to announce its squad for the two matches this week.

Former Ghana goalkeeper Fatawu Dauda has also been appointed as the goalkeepers’ trainer as the new technical team prepares for its first assignment.

Ghana are under pressure to revive their qualifying campaign after losing their opening two Group C matches against Ivory Coast and The Gambia.

The four-time African champions currently sit bottom of the group without a point, making the two matches against Somalia crucial to their chances of securing a place at the 2027 tournament.