Ghana Football Update
Ghanaian football supporters are preparing for major continental and national-team developments, with the 2026/27 CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup group-stage draws scheduled to take place in Cairo while the search for a permanent Black Stars head coach continues.
The two stories have generated significant interest across Ghana. Club-football followers are waiting to discover the groups that will shape the next stage of CAF’s leading competitions, while Black Stars supporters want clarity on who will lead the national team beyond the November international window.
When Is the CAF Champions League Group-Stage Draw?
The Confederation of African Football has confirmed that the group-stage draws for both competitions will be staged at the Egyptian Football Association headquarters in Cairo on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
The CAF Confederation Cup draw will begin at 2:00 p.m. Cairo time, which is 11:00 a.m. in Ghana. The CAF Champions League draw will follow at 3:00 p.m. Cairo time, or 12:00 noon in Ghana.
Supporters will be able to follow the event live through CAF’s official digital platforms, including CAF TV. Each competition has 16 qualified teams, which will be divided into four groups of four.
CAF Champions League Draw Promises Major Matchups
The CAF Champions League line-up includes established continental forces such as Espérance, Zamalek, Pyramids FC, MC Alger, Orlando Pirates, Simba SC, Young Africans and RS Berkane.
The preliminary rounds also produced a major surprise, with defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns eliminated by Angola’s Wiliete SC. The Angolan club advanced after a 1–1 draw in Pretoria following a goalless first leg.
Although no Ghanaian club appears among the 16 Champions League group-stage qualifiers announced by CAF, the competition remains an important benchmark for Ghana Premier League teams hoping to improve their future continental performances.
The top two clubs from each group will advance to the quarter-finals, while the eventual Champions League winner will receive a record US$6 million.
The six group-stage matchdays will run from late November 2026 to January 2027, with Matchday One scheduled for November 27–29.
Black Stars Coach Search Continues After Deadline Extension
Away from CAF club football, attention remains fixed on the new Black Stars coach appointment.
The Ghana Football Association and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation established a five-member search committee after the senior national-team position became vacant. The committee is chaired by former GFA Vice-President Fred Pappoe.
The other members are:
- Anthony Baffoe
- Agbesi Dzakpasu
- Stephen Appiah
- Faisal Chibsah
The committee is mandated to identify, evaluate and recommend a suitable candidate to lead the Black Stars. Its members must assess applicants on their technical competence, leadership, high-performance experience, cultural suitability and vision for Ghana football.
The application deadline was extended to October 15, 2026, allowing more qualified coaches to submit their credentials. According to the GFA’s roadmap, evaluations, interviews and shortlisting are expected to continue through October and November before a final recommendation is presented.
This means speculation about an imminent permanent appointment should be treated carefully. The selection process is progressing, but the GFA has not officially announced the next permanent Black Stars head coach.
Kim Lars Björkegren Leads Interim Technical Team
To maintain continuity during the recruitment process, the GFA and Ministry accepted the committee’s recommendation to appoint an interim technical team for the November fixture against Somalia.
Kim Lars Björkegren will lead the temporary coaching group, assisted by Ibrahim Tanko and Godwin Attram. Former Ghana goalkeeper Fatawu Dauda will serve as the goalkeepers coach, with additional technical and support personnel expected to assist the team.
The interim structure gives the Black Stars experienced leadership while allowing the search committee sufficient time to complete its interviews, background checks and technical assessments.
It should be noted that Björkegren’s appointment applies specifically to the November assignment. It does not mean that he has been confirmed as the permanent Black Stars coach.
A Defining Period for Ghana Football
The CAF group-stage draw and the Black Stars coaching review underline two significant challenges facing Ghanaian football: restoring strong club representation in Africa and establishing stable technical leadership for the national team.
Ghanaian clubs need sustained investment, effective recruitment and better continental preparation to compete consistently with Africa’s strongest sides. At the same time, the Black Stars require a coach capable of building a clear football identity, developing players and producing competitive performances in upcoming World Cup and AFCON assignments.
Wednesday’s CAF draw will set the stage for the next chapter of Africa’s biggest club competitions. Meanwhile, the GFA’s search committee will continue the more delicate task of identifying the person trusted to guide Ghana’s senior national team into a new era.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the CAF Champions League group-stage draw?
The draw will take place in Cairo on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Cairo time and 12:00 noon in Ghana.
What time is the CAF Confederation Cup draw in Ghana?
The CAF Confederation Cup draw begins at 11:00 a.m. Ghana time on October 28, 2026.
Has the new Black Stars coach been announced?
No permanent head coach has been officially announced. The evaluation, interview and shortlisting process is continuing.
Who is coaching the Black Stars temporarily?
Kim Lars Björkegren will lead the interim technical team for the November fixture against Somalia, assisted by Ibrahim Tanko and Godwin Attram.
Who chairs the Black Stars coach search committee?
Former Ghana Football Association Vice-President Fred Pappoe chairs the five-member committee.
