Thomas Partey

Ghana midfielder and Black Stars vice-captain Thomas Partey is expected to miss the team’s second encounter against Somalia in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers following the final funeral rites of his late father, Jacob Teye Partey.

The experienced midfielder is expected to be unavailable for Ghana’s return fixture scheduled for Monday, November 16, 2026, as he attends family funeral activities in Accra and Odumase Krobo in the Eastern Region.

Partey’s expected absence comes at a crucial stage of Ghana’s qualifying campaign, with the Black Stars hoping to build on their recent victory over Somalia and secure another important three points in the race for a place at the 2027 AFCON tournament.

The Al-Shabab midfielder is one of the most experienced members of the national team and has played an important role in Ghana’s midfield over the years.

His absence will therefore be a notable development for interim head coach Kim Lars Björkegren as he prepares his squad for the return encounter.

Thomas Partey Plays Full 90 Minutes in Ghana’s Victory Over Somalia

Partey’s expected absence follows his involvement in Ghana’s 2-0 victory over Somalia in the first leg of their 2027 AFCON qualifying double-header.

The Black Stars recorded their first victory in the qualifying campaign on Thursday, November 12, 2026, when both sides met at the Essipong Sports Stadium in Sekondi-Takoradi.

The midfielder featured for the entire 90 minutes, helping Ghana control proceedings in the middle of the pitch as the team secured a much-needed victory.

Defender Jonas Adjetey opened the scoring for Ghana in the 47th minute, shortly after the restart, giving the Black Stars an important advantage.

Felix Afena-Gyan subsequently doubled Ghana’s lead in the 62nd minute to secure a comfortable 2-0 victory.

The result was particularly important for Ghana, who had entered the qualifying double-header under pressure following defeats in their opening two Group C matches.

The Black Stars had suffered a 2-0 defeat against Côte d’Ivoire before losing 4-2 to The Gambia, leaving them with little room for further mistakes in their quest to qualify for the continental competition.

Ghana’s victory over Somalia consequently ended their eight-match winless run in AFCON qualifying and provided some relief for the team and its supporters.

Black Stars Rally Behind Thomas Partey at Father’s Funeral

In a touching demonstration of unity and friendship, members of the Black Stars squad, the technical team and officials of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) joined Thomas Partey and his family to mourn his late father.

The team arrived in Accra on Friday, November 13, following their victory over Somalia and proceeded to the Transitions Funeral Home, where the funeral service was held.

The delegation included members of the playing squad, technical officials and representatives of the country’s football administration.

Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, was also present to commiserate with the family and demonstrate support for the midfielder.

GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku led the football delegation, accompanied by Executive Council members Dr. Randy Abbey, Samuel Aboabire and Gideon Fosu.

Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah, who also serves as Vice-Chairman of the Black Stars Management Committee, was among the prominent football personalities who attended the funeral.

Other former footballers and personalities present included Awudu Issaka and David Accam.

The presence of the entire national team delegation reflected the strong bond among the players and their willingness to stand beside their teammate during a difficult period in his personal life.

The GFA also acknowledged the significance of the occasion, describing the gathering as a moment of unity and solidarity for Partey and his family.

Details of Jacob Teye Partey’s Funeral Arrangements

Thomas Partey’s father, Jacob Teye Partey, passed away on September 30, 2026, aged 62.

His family organised a three-day funeral programme under the theme, “Celebration of Life,” with the dates Sunrise 1964 – Sunset 2026.

The funeral activities commenced on Friday, November 13, at the Transitions Funeral Home in Accra.

The burial service was scheduled for Saturday, November 14, at Matse Israel School Park in Odumase Krobo, Aklomase, in the Eastern Region.

A thanksgiving service was also scheduled for Sunday, November 15, at the same venue.

The funeral brought together family members, friends, football personalities, government representatives and well-wishers who gathered to celebrate the life of the late Jacob Teye Partey and support his family.

For Thomas Partey, the occasion provided an opportunity to honour his late father alongside relatives and loved ones following his commitments with the national team.

The midfielder’s expected involvement in the remaining family funeral activities is understood to be the reason behind his anticipated absence from Monday’s international assignment.

Ghana Face Somalia Again in Crucial AFCON Qualifier

Despite the expected absence of their vice-captain, the Black Stars will be hoping to maintain their winning momentum when they face Somalia again on Monday, November 16.

The return fixture will take place at the Essipong Sports Stadium in Sekondi-Takoradi, with kick-off scheduled for 3:00 pm Ghana time.

Ghana will be looking to secure another victory to strengthen their position in Group C and improve their chances of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The four-time African champions had endured a difficult beginning to their qualifying campaign, and the victory over Somalia has offered the team an opportunity to rebuild confidence.

Interim coach Kim Lars Björkegren will now have to consider his available midfield options as he prepares for the encounter without the expected involvement of Partey.

The midfielder’s experience, tactical awareness, ball distribution and ability to dictate the pace of matches have made him an important figure in the national team setup.

His absence could therefore require adjustments to Ghana’s midfield structure, particularly as the team seeks to maintain control and consistency against a Somalia side determined to respond to its first-leg defeat.

The Black Stars will nevertheless be encouraged by their performance in the opening encounter, particularly the contributions of Jonas Adjetey and Felix Afena-Gyan, who secured the victory with their respective goals.

A second consecutive victory would provide a significant boost to Ghana’s campaign and help the team regain confidence after its disappointing opening results.

A Personal Commitment Beyond Football

Partey’s expected absence from the Somalia return fixture highlights the personal responsibilities that professional footballers sometimes have to balance alongside their international commitments.

While representing the country remains an important responsibility for the midfielder, attending to family obligations following the death of his father is an equally significant personal matter.

The Black Stars’ decision to stand alongside their vice-captain during the funeral also demonstrated that the national team represents more than a group of footballers brought together for competitive assignments.

It reflects a collective bond in which players and officials support one another during both successful and difficult moments.

As Ghana prepares for Monday’s encounter, attention will turn to how the team adjusts to the expected absence of one of its most experienced midfielders.

For Partey, however, the immediate focus remains on honouring his late father and supporting his family during their period of bereavement.