A training session involving the Somalia national team in Ghana was disrupted after security personnel ordered the players to leave the pitch at the University of Ghana Stadium, triggering complaints from the visiting delegation.
Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Communications Director Ibrahim Sannie Daara disclosed that Somali officials were unhappy with the incident and viewed the manner in which it was handled as an attempt to intimidate the team ahead of their meeting with Ghana.
According to the account, security personnel entered the training area and instructed the players to vacate the pitch. They were also seen gathering the equipment being used for the session as some players approached them, apparently seeking an explanation for the sudden interruption.
It was subsequently clarified that the Somali team had been assigned one of the training pitches around the stadium and had not been authorised to use the main stadium pitch.
The security officials then directed the delegation to the designated training ground, allowing the team to continue its preparations.
Although the misunderstanding was eventually resolved, the handling of the situation reportedly left the Somali officials dissatisfied, with the delegation accusing Ghana of using intimidation tactics ahead of the encounter.
The incident comes as both countries prepare for a crucial double-header in their qualification campaign.
Ghana are scheduled to host Somalia at the Essipong Stadium on Thursday, November 12, 2026. Both teams will be looking to secure their first points after losing their opening two matches.
The two fixtures carry significant importance for Ghana, whose qualification hopes could be affected by the outcome of the encounters.
The return leg is scheduled for November 16, 2026, with both sides expected to approach the matches knowing that further dropped points could make their qualification task more difficult.
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