Black Stars to Play Both Somalia AFCON Qualifiers at Essipong Stadium in Sekondi

The two encounters, scheduled for November 12 and November 16, 2026, will be played at 3:00 p.m. Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), equivalent to 15:00 UTC.

The decision to stage both matches at the Sekondi-based facility follows temporary approval from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), paving the way for the stadium to host the crucial Group C fixtures.

The arrangement means Ghana will host Somalia in the first encounter before Somalia take their turn as the designated home side in the return fixture, with both matches taking place on Ghanaian soil.

Match Details: Ghana vs Somalia

Black Stars Under Pressure to Revive AFCON Campaign

The upcoming double-header represents a critical moment for Ghana as the team seeks to revive its qualification campaign after a disappointing start in Group C.

The Black Stars suffered a 2-0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in their opening match before losing 4-2 to The Gambia in their second fixture. The two losses have left Ghana without a point, increasing the pressure on the team to secure victories against Somalia.

With qualification for the 2027 AFCON in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda at stake, the two matches are expected to be decisive for Ghana’s ambitions.

The team will be expected to approach the encounters with determination, discipline and improved defensive organisation, while capitalising on their scoring opportunities.

Essipong Stadium Set for International Football Spotlight

The confirmation of Essipong Sports Stadium as the venue for both matches is a significant development for football in the Western Region.

The stadium, which previously hosted major football events including matches during the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Ghana, has recently undergone renovation works aimed at improving its facilities.

The venue also hosted the Black Queens’ Olympic qualifying encounter against Mauritius in October 2026, marking its return to competitive international football.

Hosting the Black Stars for two important AFCON qualifying matches is expected to attract football fans from Sekondi-Takoradi and neighbouring communities.

The matches could also provide a boost to local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, transport operators and other commercial establishments, as supporters converge on the city.

The development further presents an opportunity for the Western Region to demonstrate its capacity to host major sporting events.

Opportunity for Western Region Football Fans

The decision to stage both matches at Essipong will offer football enthusiasts in the Western Region an opportunity to watch the Black Stars on home soil without travelling to Accra.

For many supporters in Sekondi-Takoradi and surrounding communities, the double-header could be a memorable occasion, particularly if the team delivers the victories needed to revive its AFCON qualification hopes.

The Ghana Football Association’s decision to use Essipong also places renewed attention on the importance of maintaining and upgrading regional sporting infrastructure to meet international standards.

Ghana’s AFCON 2027 Qualification Hopes

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda from June 19 to July 17, 2027.

Ghana, a four-time African champion, will be eager to avoid missing out on another edition of the continental tournament following its absence from the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.

The Somalia double-header therefore presents an opportunity for the Black Stars to make a strong statement and restore confidence among supporters.

All eyes will be on Essipong Sports Stadium on November 12 and 16 as Ghana seeks to turn its difficult start into a renewed qualification push.