Somalia's national football team have lodged a formal complaint against Ghana, accusing the host nation of intimidation after security personnel at the University of Ghana Stadium reportedly forced their players to abandon a training session.

According to information released by the Somali delegation — as reported by Foot Africa — the squad had completed their first training session at a venue outside the stadium. After requesting and receiving permission to use the University of Ghana Stadium for a second session, the players arrived and began training, only to be ordered off the facilities by security staff.

The interrupted session forced the delegation to return to their original outdoor training location, the same venue they had used the day before. Footage shared by a Ghanaian journalist appears to show security personnel intervening to stop the session.

Somalia calls for respectful treatment

The Somali side has expressed hope that the matter can be resolved without further conflict, citing the positive diplomatic ties between Somalia and Ghana. The delegation has also appealed for its members to be treated with dignity throughout their stay.

First leg set for Essipong Sports Stadium

Despite the off-pitch tensions, both nations are preparing for a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header played entirely on Ghanaian soil. Ghana's players have already gathered in Takoradi ahead of the first leg, scheduled for November 12 at Essipong Sports Stadium.

The two sides will meet again on November 16 for the second leg, which will also be hosted in Ghana.