Ghana beat Somalia 2-0 in Sekondi-Takoradi despite Ayew penalty miss

Ghana defeated Somalia 2-0 at Sekondi-Takoradi in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match on 12 November 2026, despite Jordan Ayew having a 14th-minute penalty saved. The victory provided Ghana with their first points in Group C after two opening defeats.

Ghana had lost their first two Group C matches against Ivory Coast and The Gambia, a run that led to the mutual departure of coach Carlos Queiroz. Kim Bjorkegren was placed in interim charge for this month's double-header against the Ocean Stars, with the West Africans described as being in danger of missing a second successive Afcon finals. Jordan Ayew joined Championship side Sheffield United in September after two seasons with Leicester City.

Alidu Seidu was fouled in the box early in the match, awarding Ghana a penalty, but Jordan Ayew's spot-kick in the 14th minute was saved by Somalia goalkeeper Ibrahim Hussein.

Ghana broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time when Mohammed Salisu headed Mohammed Kudus's deep corner back across goal and Jonas Adjetey nodded in from six yards.

Felix Afena-Gyan doubled the lead just after the hour mark when his shot from inside the box squirmed under Ibrahim Hussein and crossed the line.

Cameroon, DR Congo and Senegal were among seven other Afcon 2027 qualifying fixtures played on Thursday.

Ivory Coast and The Gambia meet in Bouake at 19:00 GMT, and the result leaves the four-time continental champions Ghana three points behind those two sides.