Black Stars assistant coach Ibrahim Tanko has called for renewed belief, collective responsibility and improved performances as Ghana prepares for a crucial double-header against Somalia in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers later this month.

Ghana have endured a difficult start to their qualifying campaign, suffering consecutive defeats against Ivory Coast and The Gambia, results that have left the four-time African champions bottom of Group C without a point.

With qualification hopes already under pressure, Tanko believes the team must rediscover its confidence and translate the quality within the squad into positive performances on the pitch.

Despite Ghana’s disappointing results in the opening two matches, the assistant coach remains convinced that the Black Stars possess enough quality to turn their fortunes around, insisting that the players must embrace their responsibilities and work towards a common objective.

“Ghana has a very good squad, with quality players who can compete,” he told Joy Sports.

“What matters is getting everyone to believe in the collective objective, understanding the responsibility of wearing the national colours and translating our potential into performances on the pitch.”

The upcoming encounters against Somalia present Ghana with an important opportunity to revive their campaign and collect maximum points after the disappointing results in their opening fixtures.

The Black Stars are scheduled to host Somalia on Thursday, November 12, before the two countries meet again on November 16. Both matches are expected to be played in Ghana.

The interim technical team, led by Kim Lars Björkegren, is expected to announce its squad this week as preparations intensify for the two encounters.

Ghana’s immediate task will be to address the shortcomings that contributed to their defeats against Ivory Coast and The Gambia, while improving their attacking efficiency, defensive organisation and overall team cohesion.

The Black Stars will also be under pressure to demonstrate a stronger mentality and the determination required to navigate the remaining qualifying matches successfully.

The stakes are particularly high following Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, where the national team endured a disappointing campaign, finishing bottom of their qualifying group without recording a victory.

With the 2027 AFCON scheduled to be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, Ghana cannot afford further setbacks if they are to secure a place at the continental tournament.

For Tanko and the interim technical team, rebuilding confidence, strengthening the collective mentality and ensuring that the players understand the responsibility of representing the country will be central to Ghana’s efforts to get their qualifying campaign back on track.

Source: GhanaSoccernet

Tanko Urges Black Stars to Rediscover Belief Ahead of Crucial Somalia Double-Header

Black Stars assistant coach Ibrahim Tanko has called for renewed belief, collective responsibility and improved performances as Ghana prepares for a crucial double-header against Somalia in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers later this month.

Ghana have endured a difficult start to their qualifying campaign, suffering consecutive defeats against Ivory Coast and The Gambia, results that have left the four-time African champions bottom of Group C without a point.

With qualification hopes already under pressure, Tanko believes the team must rediscover its confidence and translate the quality within the squad into positive performances on the pitch.

Despite Ghana’s disappointing results in the opening two matches, the assistant coach remains convinced that the Black Stars possess enough quality to turn their fortunes around, insisting that the players must embrace their responsibilities and work towards a common objective.

“Ghana has a very good squad, with quality players who can compete,” he told Joy Sports.

“What matters is getting everyone to believe in the collective objective, understanding the responsibility of wearing the national colours and translating our potential into performances on the pitch.”

The upcoming encounters against Somalia present Ghana with an important opportunity to revive their campaign and collect maximum points after the disappointing results in their opening fixtures.

The Black Stars are scheduled to host Somalia on Thursday, November 12, before the two countries meet again on November 16. Both matches are expected to be played in Ghana.

The interim technical team, led by Kim Lars Björkegren, is expected to announce its squad this week as preparations intensify for the two encounters.

Ghana’s immediate task will be to address the shortcomings that contributed to their defeats against Ivory Coast and The Gambia, while improving their attacking efficiency, defensive organisation and overall team cohesion.

The Black Stars will also be under pressure to demonstrate a stronger mentality and the determination required to navigate the remaining qualifying matches successfully.

The stakes are particularly high following Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, where the national team endured a disappointing campaign, finishing bottom of their qualifying group without recording a victory.

With the 2027 AFCON scheduled to be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, Ghana cannot afford further setbacks if they are to secure a place at the continental tournament.

For Tanko and the interim technical team, rebuilding confidence, strengthening the collective mentality and ensuring that the players understand the responsibility of representing the country will be central to Ghana’s efforts to get their qualifying campaign back on track.