Accra:The appointment of Kim Lars Björkegren as the interim head coach of Ghana's Black Stars has raised concerns due to his current responsibilities as the head coach of the Black Queens. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) announced that Björkegren, a Swedish coach, will lead the team in their crucial November matches against Somalia, with assistance from Black Stars assistant coach Godwin Attram and Ibrahim Tanko.
According to Ghana Web, the decision was made by a committee consisting of representatives from the government and the Ghana Football Association, led by Fred Pappoe. The committee appointed Björkegren on an interim basis while a permanent successor is sought.
Ghana's need for this interim solution comes at a pivotal time. The national team has faced consecutive defeats in their opening Group C matches against The Gambia and Côte d'Ivoire. As they aim to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, securing victories in the upcoming matches against Somalia is crucial. Failure to win could jeopardize their chances of qualification for a second consecutive tournament.
This situation overlaps with the Black Queens' intercontinental World Cup play-off campaign, which runs from late November into early December. The Black Queens are set to face Ecuador, Uzbekistan, and Papua New Guinea in their bid to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup. Their preliminary phase matches are scheduled for November 24 to December 5, 2026.
Under the current arrangement, Björkegren is expected to manage the Black Stars before focusing on the Black Queens' World Cup qualification efforts. This dual responsibility has prompted suggestions that it might have been wiser for him to concentrate solely on the Black Queens, given their ambitions on the world stage.
There is uncertainty about whether a new coach will be appointed for the women's team, which could affect preparations due to Björkegren's established rapport with the players. The result of the Black Stars' matches against Somalia may also influence the interim coach's future role.