Ghana Beat Somalia 2-0 for Their First Points in Qualifying
Ghana beat Somalia 2-0 in Sekondi-Takoradi, and the win gave them their first points in their African Cup of Nations qualifying group. The Black Stars needed it. They had lost their opening two matches, against Ivory Coast and The Gambia.
The result came after a turbulent few weeks. Carlos Queiroz left his job as Ghana coach by mutual consent after those two defeats. Kim Bjorkegren, who coaches Ghana's women's team, was put in interim charge of the men for this double-header. Qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations, the continent's main national team tournament, decide which teams reach the finals.
Ghana almost fell behind to a dramatic moment of their own making. In the 14th minute, Jordan Ayew stepped up to take a penalty. Ghana had been awarded it after Alidu Seidu was pulled down in the box. Somalia goalkeeper Ibrahim Hussein dived the right way and saved it.
Ghana did not stay frustrated for long. Just before half-time, in stoppage time, Mohammed Salisu rose to head a deep corner from Mohammed Kudus back across goal. Jonas Adjetey was waiting at the far side, six yards out, and he swept the ball in for the opener.
Ghana doubled their lead just after the hour. Felix Afena-Gyan struck from inside the box, and his shot squirmed under Hussein. Somalia, nicknamed the Ocean Stars, had to chase the game from there.
Bjorkegren's starting line-up gave a clear sign of who he trusted. Benjamin Asare started in goal. Kudus and Ayew returned to the side, and Thomas Partey and Salisu were also back in the squad. Ghana held a final training session in Sekondi before the match.
The win puts Ghana on three points. Ivory Coast and The Gambia both have three more than that, so Ghana remain behind the group's leaders with plenty of matches still to play. For a side that had already lost twice, though, three points matter. They show the team can still win, and they keep the qualifying race open.
Penalties have a way of changing a game's mood. Ghana missed one, saw Hussein make a fine stop, and still found a way through. That kind of response is often what teams need when results have gone against them.
