Kim Lars Björkegren will lead Ghana’s Black Stars in their November 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Somalia while continuing as head coach of the Black Queens. The Swedish coach takes on the interim Black Stars technical team with assistants Ibrahim Tanko and Godwin Attram, and goalkeepers’ coach Fatawu Dauda.
Henry Asante Twum, communications director for the Ghana Football Association, confirmed Björkegren welcomed the challenge. “He loves the challenge. At least, I spent the day with him, and I know he is ready to take it on. He also feels that it is time to test himself,” Asante Twum said.
Björkegren’s appointment comes after Ghana’s senior men’s team suffered defeats to Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia in their opening AFCON qualifiers. The interim role gives him the chance to lead the side in crucial matches as they seek to recover.
The coach will juggle responsibilities with the Black Queens, who are preparing for FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying play-offs. Asante Twum explained the scheduling allows Björkegren to manage both teams without conflict. “The Black Stars and Black Meteors' games will run from the early part of November to the middle of the month. The Black Queens' games will be at the end of November and into the first week of December,” he said on TV3's Sports Station show.
“Asante Twum added that the short preparation time for both teams would not be a problem for Björkegren, who is 44 years old. ‘However, these matches fall within different time intervals. While the women are playing, the men are on a break, and when the men resume, the women also have their turn.’”
Björkegren has previous experience with the Black Stars, having worked as one of Otto Addo’s assistants during the 2022 World Cup preparations. He was involved in friendly matches against Austria and Germany.
The Black Queens’ upcoming fixtures will test Björkegren’s ability to manage two squads competing on different international fronts. The men’s team faces pressure to improve results after a rocky start in the AFCON qualifiers. The women’s team aims to advance through the World Cup qualifying play-offs.
Asante Twum called on the public and football community to support Björkegren during his dual assignments before he returns fully to his role with the Black Queens. The overlapping duties will keep Björkegren busy through November and early December.
The decision to assign Björkegren reflects the Ghana Football Association’s trust in his capabilities. His past involvement with the national teams and current dual role create a unique dynamic in Ghanaian football management.
According to 3News.
