Bjorkegren: Ghana Need Maximum Points To Revive AFCON Hopes

Bjorkegren demands six points as Ghana target Somalia double

Ghana host Somalia at Essipong Stadium before the return fixture, with Bjorkegren demanding six points and an attacking display to get Group C back on track.

Bjorkegren targets maximum points from Ghana's Somalia double-header as the Black Stars...

Interim Black Stars head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren says Ghana are targeting maximum points from their two games against Somalia as they bid to revive their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.

Ghana host Somalia at Essipong Stadium in the first of the two meetings before travelling for the return leg, with the Black Stars knowing that anything less than two wins would further damage their hopes of reaching the tournament.

Ghana's qualifying campaign is off to a nightmare start. Back-to-back defeats to Ivory Coast and Gambia have left the four-time African champions under serious pressure in Group C, with almost no room left for another slip-up.

AFCON 2027 Qualifying - How Group C Stands

Ahead of the first meeting, Bjorkegren admitted just how crucial it is to take all six points, but stressed that Ghana will not take Somalia lightly.

“It’s not a secret that we need all six points, but we need to respect Somalia,” he said.

The interim coach believes Ghana have the quality to deliver the performances needed, calling for an attacking approach and far more ruthlessness in front of goal.

“We have the potential to play good football and create chances to win the game against Somalia.”

“We want to play. We want to create chances. We want to move forward. We want to score goals,” he added.

Bjorkegren has stepped in following the exit of Carlos Queiroz, who took over Ghana after their disappointing 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign but departed after the opening two AFCON qualifying defeats.

The Ghana Football Association has since handed the Black Queens coach temporary charge of the senior men’s team while the search for a permanent head coach goes on.

🗣️ Kim Björkegren 🫡 #BlackStars https://t.co/mr83auuCPf

— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) November 11, 2026

Thomas-Asante Relishing Takoradi Atmosphere

Brandon Thomas-Asante has also welcomed Ghana’s decision to play Somalia in Takoradi, with the Black Stars set to host the tie at Essipong Stadium.

The forward said the reception from supporters has created a positive mood around the camp.

“It’s a real blessing because even when we got off the bus for training, you could feel the atmosphere. There’s an energy. It’s a change. It’s positive,” Thomas-Asante said.

“We also recognise that there’s support all across the country. To be able to have these two games here is a blessing.”

Ghana will hope to turn that backing into a positive result as they look to get their qualifying campaign back on track.