Black Stars forward Brandon Thomas-Asante says Ghana must approach their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Somalia with complete focus as they attempt to rescue a campaign that has begun with back-to-back defeats.
Ghana face Somalia at Essipong Sports Stadium on Thursday, November 12, knowing they need maximum points from both matches in the double-header to keep alive their hopes of reaching the tournament.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Thomas-Asante said the squad understood the importance of the opportunity and had the quality required to respond.
“We are not here to joke around or anything. We are here knowing we have got to put our best foot forward and to maximise this opportunity. You look around the squad, we’ve got the quality,” he said.
The four-time African champions are bottom of Group C without a point after losing their opening two fixtures.
Ghana began with a 2-0 defeat by Cote d’Ivoire in Bouake before suffering a 4-2 home loss to The Gambia, despite taking a two-goal lead. Those results have left their qualification hopes in serious danger.
Thomas-Asante, however, believes Ghana can use the ability in their squad to change the direction of their campaign, provided they produce the required performance on the pitch.
“We understand the task at hand and everyone is hear on [a] mission. We are here knowing we have to maximize this opportunity. We believe we have that quality and we can show it in these games,” added the Coventry City forward.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Somalia are part of an experienced squad selected by interim head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren.
Ghana will play Somalia again on Monday, November 16, 2026, with the Black Stars needing victories in both fixtures to maintain a realistic chance of qualification.
