The Ghana Football Association (GFA) says Kim Lars Björkegren’s performances within the country’s national team structure made him the preferred choice to lead the Black Stars on an interim basis ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Somalia.
The Swedish coach, who is currently in charge of the Black Queens, will assume responsibility for the senior men’s team following the departure of Carlos Queiroz. Ibrahim Tanko and Godwin Attram have been named as his assistants after a five-member committee recommended the temporary coaching arrangement.
GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum said the selection process focused on the performances of coaches already working with Ghana’s national teams, adding that Björkegren’s record made him a suitable candidate for the role.
“The committee looked within and settled on Kim Lars Bjorkegren because he is the best-performing coach in terms of the national teams, so I dont think it will be a challenge for him,” he told Asempa FM.
The appointment comes at a significant stage for Ghanaian football, with the Black Stars preparing for their upcoming qualifiers while the Black Queens face their own important international commitments.
Asante Twum also outlined the reasons behind the selection of Björkegren’s two assistants, explaining that the committee considered their previous experience and achievements.
Attram was chosen partly because of his association with Queiroz, while Tanko’s record in domestic football was cited as a key factor in his appointment.
“The committee felt we have to look at someone who worked with Carlos Queiroz, and it is obviously Godwin Attram,” he said.
Explaining Tanko’s inclusion, Asante Twum praised his recent achievements in the Ghana Premier League, describing him as the country’s leading coach at present.
“Ibrahim Tanko is the best coach in the country at the moment. He is the defending champion of the Ghana Premier League and currently sits at the top of the league.”
The GFA’s decision means Björkegren will have to balance his temporary duties with the men’s national team while remaining responsible for the Black Queens, who are preparing for the Women’s World Cup play-off tournament.
Ghana are scheduled to face Ecuador, Uzbekistan and Papua New Guinea in the competition, which is reportedly due to take place in Morocco on November 28. That date falls 13 days after the Black Stars’ second qualifying match against Somalia, creating questions about how the coach’s responsibilities will be managed.
The timing has raised concerns about whether taking charge of the men’s team could affect preparations for the women’s side, particularly as the Black Queens work towards an important international tournament.
However, Asante Twum dismissed the suggestion that the dual assignment would necessarily interfere with the Black Queens’ preparations.
“We are aware that the Black Queens will prepare next month for the World Cup play-offs, but I dont think that his appointment will be a hindrance.”
The GFA’s position is that Björkegren’s record with Ghana’s national teams makes him the appropriate choice for the interim role, while the appointments of Tanko and Attram are intended to provide additional experience and support.
With the Black Stars facing important qualifying fixtures and the Black Queens preparing for the World Cup play-offs, the coming weeks will test the national team’s coaching arrangements as Ghana pursue their objectives in both competitions.
