Desperate to kickstart their AFCON qualifying campaign on Thursday afternoon, Ghana will welcome Somalia to the Essipong Stadium.

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Verdict: Ghana win to nil

Best Odds: 2/3

Bookmaker: BetUS

Ghana

Starting with the hosts, while Ghana might have dragged themselves to a World Cup knockout stage ticket over the summer, the Black Stars have come crashing back down to earth since their Round of 32 exit in North America. Eventually falling to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Colombia back on July 4th, the African giants have been dealing with a public crisis. Watching Carlos Queiroz leave his position last month and still searching for a permanent replacement for the one-time Manchester United coach, Ghana have opened their AFCON qualifying adventure with a real whimper. Opening proceedings with a routine 2-0 loss away at the Ivory Coast on September 24th, Thursday’s hosts are still waiting to put a maiden Group C point on the board. Likewise, signing off September’s international break with a rollercoaster 4-2 defeat against Gambia, the Black Stars have some serious pressure mounting on their shoulders.

Ghana Team News

Featuring in each of Coventry City’s first 10 Premier League appearances this season, Brandon Thomas-Asante will feature on Thursday afternoon and should spearhead Ghana’s attack. Likewise, Ipswich Town star Issahaku Fatawu will partner Thomas-Asante in the final third.

While Wolfsburg youngster Jonas Adjetey might have only mustered a pair of Bundesliga appearances so far this season, the 22-year-old should keep his spot at the heart of Ghana’s defence.

Somalia

As for the visitors, last seen in AFCON action signing off September’s international break with a deserved 2-0 loss against the Ivory Coast, Somalia have an almighty job on their hands in the race to mount a serious Group C charge. Opening proceedings with a 2-1 defeat away at Gambia on September 25th, the Ocean Stars once again face a monumental challenge on Thursday afternoon. Getting 2026 underway with an uneventful 0-0 stalemate against Mauritius, Yusuf Ali Nur’s squad find themselves pencilled in as a landslide underdog contender when they travel to the Essipong Stadium in midweek. Falling to a 2-0 loss when they last met Ghana for a World Cup qualifying showdown way back in November 2003, Somalia have also continued to show some glaring issues in the final third. In fact, Ali Nur’s men have notched just a sole strike in over 500 minutes of action.

Somalia Team News

Playing his domestic football in Scotland’s fourth-tier with Dumbarton, Ali Omar will start at the heart of Somalia’s defence on Thursday afternoon. Making a move to USL outfit Indy Eleven ahead of the 2026 campaign, Mohamed Omar will feature in the middle of the park.

Now playing in England’s sixth-tier with Dover and making a maiden National League South appearance last weekend,, former Wealdstone attacker Sakariya Hassan could play a leading role in the final third.

Ghana vs Somalia Key Factors to Consider

• When Ghana and Somalia last met for a competitive showdown back in November 2003, the Black Stars claimed a 2-0 World Cup qualifying victory.
• Ghana have lost their opening two AFCON qualifying matchups by an aggregate score of 6-2.
• In fact, continuing on from their World Cup exit over the summer, Ghana have lost each of their last four appearances across all competitions.
• Somalia have registered just a single strike in over 500 minutes of action.
• Five of Ghana’s last six appearances across all competitions have finished with under 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

Desperate to kickstart their AFCON qualifying campaign on Thursday afternoon and put a maiden League C point on the board, Ghana have a huge amount of pressure on their shoulders in midweek. Remarkably sat at the foot of the table and coming under serious scrutiny, the Black Stars can’t afford to pass on what is a golden opportunity. However, landing a 2-0 victory when they last met Somalia way back in November 2003, we are expecting a similar outcome from the Essipong Stadium.

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: BetUS