Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams is confident the Black Stars can collect maximum points from their two upcoming matches against Somalia in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

Ghana will host Somalia at the Essipong Sports Stadium in Sekondi-Takoradi on Thursday, November 12, before travelling for the return fixture four days later.

The Black Stars are under pressure to revive their qualification campaign after suffering consecutive defeats to Ivory Coast and The Gambia, leaving them bottom of Group C without a point.

Despite the difficult start, Adams believes the team has the quality and mental strength to secure victories in both encounters.

Speaking in an interview with Asempa FM, the Buem MP said he was encouraged by the players' mentality and expressed confidence in their ability to deliver six points.

“I believe that the next two games that we have in this window, we should be able to get all the points that are available,” he said.

Adams, however, acknowledged that the players' response ahead of the double-header had not been as encouraging as in previous international breaks, suggesting that the team's current situation had raised some concerns within the squad.

He also expressed hope that the players would remain injury-free during training as preparations intensify for the crucial fixtures.

The minister called on football supporters, particularly those in the Western and Central regions, to turn out in large numbers to support the national team.

He noted that the Black Stars' return to the western part of the country presents an opportunity for fans to demonstrate their support, pointing to the backing received by the Black Queens as an example of the atmosphere the men's team would need.

“They need our continuous support. They need our prayers, and I believe that the energy in the team is quite good,” Adams added.

The minister further disclosed that he had engaged with the players and was satisfied with their individual approach, but stressed that the responsibility now rests with the technical team and management to build the collective spirit needed to secure positive results.

“As Minister, I've done what I'm supposed to do, and I believe it is for the technical team to also perform their responsibility,” he said.

The interim technical team, led by Kim Lars Björkegren and assisted by Ibrahim Tanko and Godwin Attram, is expected to name its squad for the two matches in the coming days.

Ghana are seeking a return to the AFCON after missing the 2025 edition staged in Morocco.

With their qualification hopes already under pressure, the Black Stars will be desperate to take maximum points from the Somalia double-header to keep their campaign alive.