The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Central African Republic referee Andre Onesime Kolissala-Mbangui to officiate Ghana’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Somalia.

The Black Stars will host Somalia in their Matchday Three encounter at the Essipong Sports Stadium on Thursday, November 12, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00 GMT.

Kolissala-Mbangui will be assisted by compatriot Bozoy Oriya Zaoubaye Wilfried De, who has been named Assistant Referee I, while Equatorial Guinea’s Juan Ngua Nguema Eleng will serve as Assistant Referee II.

Another Equatorial Guinean, Gerson Adolfo Mico Esono Angono, has been appointed as the Fourth Official.

Nigeria’s Mohammed Sanusi will serve as the Match Commissioner, with Mali’s Dramane Dante appointed as the Referee Assessor.

Ghanaian official Danny Adotey has also been named Broadcast Venue Manager for the encounter.

The match is an important assignment for Ghana, who are desperate to revive their qualifying campaign following a disappointing start to Group C.

The Black Stars have lost their opening two matches against Ivory Coast and The Gambia, leaving them bottom of the group without a point.

Ghana suffered a 2-0 defeat away to Ivory Coast before throwing away a two-goal advantage to lose 4-2 to The Gambia at home, further complicating their chances of qualifying for the tournament.

With Somalia next on the schedule, the four-time African champions will be under pressure to secure maximum points and keep their hopes of reaching the 2027 AFCON alive.