Ghana’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double-header against Somalia will take place at the Essipong Sports Stadium in the Western Region after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) approved the venue for the two matches.
The Black Stars are expected to welcome Somalia for their third and fourth Group C qualifying fixtures, with both encounters scheduled to be played on Ghanaian soil in November.
The two matches were initially expected to take place at the Accra Sports Stadium. However, Essipong has now been confirmed as the venue following discussions and approval from CAF.
The decision comes after the Acting Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong, earlier disclosed that efforts were underway to secure the Western Region as the host location for the fixtures.
Ghana will face Somalia in the first encounter on November 12, before the two sides meet again on November 16, 2026.
Black Stars Face Crucial AFCON Qualifying Double-Header
The upcoming matches represent a significant opportunity for Ghana to revive its 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign after a disappointing start to the competition.
The four-time African champions have struggled in their opening two Group C fixtures, suffering consecutive defeats that have left them at the bottom of the standings without a point.
Ghana opened its qualifying campaign with a 2-0 defeat against Ivory Coast in Bouaké before suffering another setback at home, losing 4-2 to The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The results have placed considerable pressure on the Black Stars, who must now deliver improved performances in their remaining fixtures to keep their qualification hopes alive.
With Somalia standing between Ghana and a potential revival, the team will be targeting victories in both matches to collect the maximum six points and improve their position in Group C.
The double-header also presents an opportunity for the national team to rebuild confidence among supporters following Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco.
Essipong Stadium Gets Approval to Host Black Stars Matches
The selection of Essipong Sports Stadium marks an important development for football in the Western Region, which is set to host the senior men’s national team for the two crucial international fixtures.
The stadium recently returned to the international football spotlight after hosting its first competitive international match in seven years.
On October 13, 2026, the Black Queens recorded an emphatic 7-0 victory over Mauritius at the venue in an Olympic Games qualifying encounter.
The successful hosting of that match has further brought attention to Essipong as an alternative venue for Ghana’s international football engagements.
With CAF’s approval now secured, the stadium will have another opportunity to host a major international football fixture, this time involving the Black Stars.
Ghana Targets Maximum Points Against Somalia
As preparations intensify, the Black Stars will be looking to make the most of their home advantage when they take on Somalia on November 12 and November 16.
The technical team and players will be expected to address the defensive and attacking shortcomings that contributed to their defeats against Ivory Coast and The Gambia.
Anything short of positive results could further complicate Ghana’s chances of securing qualification for the 2027 AFCON tournament.
For supporters, the immediate expectation is for the Black Stars to respond positively, secure maximum points and restore confidence in the national team.
The upcoming matches at Essipong Sports Stadium could therefore prove decisive in determining the direction of Ghana’s qualifying campaign.