Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Björkegren is reportedly set to take temporary charge of the Black Stars for Ghana’s crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Somalia in November 2026.
The Swedish coach is expected to work alongside Medeama SC head coach Ibrahim Tanko and current Black Stars assistant coach Godwin Attram. The trio will form an interim technical team tasked with reviving Ghana’s qualification campaign while the Ghana Football Association continues its search for a permanent head coach.
Although the GFA has officially confirmed that an interim technical team will manage the Black Stars during the November international window, it has not yet formally announced the members of that team. However, multiple Ghanaian media reports have named Björkegren, Tanko and Attram as the coaches selected for the Somalia double-header.
GFA Turns to Interim Team Ahead of Somalia Matches
The GFA announced its decision to appoint an interim technical team after extending the deadline for applications for the permanent Black Stars head coach position to October 15, 2026.
According to the association, the recruitment committee requires additional time to evaluate applicants, conduct interviews, complete background checks and identify a coach who fits Ghana’s long-term technical and high-performance objectives.
The GFA said the temporary coaching team would prepare and manage the Black Stars during the November fixtures, monitor players, maintain continuity within the national-team programme and support the eventual transition to a permanent head coach.
Björkegren’s reported appointment would therefore allow the GFA to continue its recruitment process without leaving the national team without technical leadership ahead of two potentially decisive matches.
Who Is Kim Lars Björkegren?
Kim Lars Björkegren is the current head coach of Ghana’s senior women’s national team, the Black Queens. He has earned recognition for his tactical organisation, player management and efforts to build a competitive team capable of challenging Africa’s leading women’s sides.
The Swedish tactician recently led the Black Queens at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. His experience within Ghana’s national-team structure means he already understands the football environment, administrative system and expectations surrounding international football in the country.
Taking charge of the Black Stars would represent a new challenge for Björkegren. He will have limited time to prepare the players, establish his tactical approach and restore confidence following Ghana’s disappointing start to the AFCON qualifying campaign.
His familiarity with the GFA’s technical system could nevertheless make the transition smoother than appointing an entirely new coach shortly before the Somalia fixtures.
Ibrahim Tanko and Godwin Attram to Provide Support
Björkegren is expected to be assisted by Ibrahim Tanko and Godwin Attram, two coaches with considerable knowledge of Ghanaian football.
Tanko has previously worked within Ghana’s national-team system, including serving as head coach of the Black Meteors. His experience with young Ghanaian players and domestic football could prove valuable when selecting and preparing the squad.
He is also currently in charge of Medeama SC, giving him direct knowledge of players competing in the Ghana Premier League.
Attram, meanwhile, was recently appointed as an assistant coach of the Black Stars. The former Ghana international replaced Desmond Ofei as part of a technical restructuring ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
The GFA highlighted Attram’s playing experience, player-development work and modern coaching approach when announcing his appointment. His presence will also provide continuity because he is already familiar with the senior national team’s players and recent preparations.
Together, Björkegren, Tanko and Attram would give the interim technical team a combination of international management, domestic-league knowledge, player-development experience and familiarity with the current Black Stars setup.
Somalia Double Header Is a Must Win Assignment
The reported interim team will immediately face the challenge of rescuing Ghana’s 2027 AFCON qualification campaign.
The Black Stars lost their opening Group C match 2-0 away to Côte d’Ivoire before suffering a damaging 4-2 home defeat against The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium. Those results left Ghana without a point after two qualifying matches.
Ghana will now face Somalia twice during the November international window, first at home and then in the reverse fixture. The Black Stars are under pressure to collect maximum points to improve their position and remain in contention for one of the group’s two qualification places.
Anything short of strong results could leave Ghana facing another failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations. The Black Stars missed the previous edition, making the 2027 campaign particularly important to supporters and the country’s football authorities.
The interim coaches must address the defensive problems exposed during the opening matches while helping the team become more clinical in attack. Squad selection, tactical balance and restoring confidence will be among their most urgent priorities.
Can Björkegren Revive Ghana’s AFCON Campaign?
Björkegren’s expected appointment may be temporary, but the Somalia matches could have a major influence on the future of the Black Stars.
His immediate objective will be to stabilise the team and produce two victories. Ghana should enter the fixtures as favourites, but the disappointing results against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia demonstrate that reputation alone will not guarantee success.
The involvement of Tanko and Attram should help Björkegren understand the strengths of the available players and make informed selection decisions. The coaching team will also need to create a clear tactical plan that allows Ghana to control possession, defend more effectively and convert chances consistently.
A successful November window would restore hope, ease pressure on the players and give the GFA more time to complete its permanent coaching appointment. Failure to take advantage of the Somalia double-header, however, could leave Ghana’s qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
When Will the GFA Appoint a Permanent Black Stars Coach?
The GFA’s coach-search committee is expected to continue evaluating and interviewing candidates through October and November before submitting its final recommendation.
Until that process is completed, Björkegren, Tanko and Attram are reportedly expected to concentrate on the immediate assignment against Somalia.
Supporters will now wait for formal confirmation from the GFA and the announcement of the squad for the November fixtures. For the Black Stars, the task is straightforward but demanding: defeat Somalia home and away and place Ghana’s 2027 AFCON qualification campaign back on track.
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