Ghana’s interim head coach, Kim Lars Björkegren, has pointed to the hot weather as one of the factors that may have affected the Black Stars’ performance during their 2-0 victory over Somalia in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Swedish tactician made the observation after Thursday’s Group C encounter at the Essipong Sports Stadium in Sekondi-Takoradi, where Ghana secured their first three points of the qualifying campaign.

Despite the victory, Björkegren admitted that his players struggled to maintain the desired intensity during parts of the first half. He suggested that the weather conditions may have contributed to the slower tempo.

“We were struggling a little bit. I don’t know if the heat was too much, but the intensity was a bit low in the first half,” he said.

Ghana had opportunities to take an early lead, but captain Jordan Ayew missed a penalty. The team subsequently found it difficult to move the ball quickly, allowing Somalia to remain competitive for much of the opening period.

The breakthrough eventually came in first-half stoppage time when defender Jonas Adjetey scored with a header, recording his first senior international goal for the Black Stars.

Ghana improved after the interval, creating more opportunities and taking greater control of the contest. Felix Afena-Gyan scored in the 63rd minute to double the advantage and secure the 2-0 result.

Although pleased with the outcome, Björkegren believes the team could have performed better, particularly in ball circulation and finishing.

He also acknowledged that the hot conditions made the contest physically demanding, while praising his players for their effort.

The victory was particularly important for Ghana after consecutive defeats to Ivory Coast and The Gambia had left the team without a point from their opening two Group C matches.

Ghana now have three points and will face Somalia again on Monday, November 16, at the same venue. Björkegren believes the first encounter has given his technical team a better understanding of their opponents ahead of the return fixture.

The coach will be hoping his players maintain the improved second-half performance and secure another victory to strengthen Ghana’s hopes of qualifying for the 2027 AFCON, which will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Source: https://x.com/theghanaweb/status/2121135909458551039?s=46