BY GRACE ZIGAH
Ghana’s interim technical team is expected to announce its squad later this week as the Black Stars intensify preparations for their crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double-header against Somalia.
The two encounters, scheduled for November 12 and 16, present Ghana with an important opportunity to revive their qualification campaign after suffering consecutive defeats in their opening Group C fixtures.
The Black Stars have endured a disappointing start to the qualifiers, losing 2-0 to Ivory Coast in Bouaké before suffering a shocking 4-2 defeat to The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The results have left Ghana bottom of Group C without a point, increasing pressure on the team to secure maximum points from the upcoming fixtures.
Queiroz’s Departure Forces Technical Reshuffle
Ghana’s poor start to the campaign eventually resulted in the departure of head coach Carlos Queiroz, who resigned following the disappointing results.
His exit forced the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation to begin the search for a substantive replacement capable of restoring stability to the national team.
A five-member committee chaired by former GFA vice-president Fred Pappoe was subsequently established to oversee the recruitment process.
However, with the Somalia fixtures approaching, the authorities opted to appoint an interim technical team to take charge of the Black Stars while the search for a permanent head coach continues.
Bjorkegren Leads Interim Technical Team
Kim Lars Björkegren has been appointed to lead the interim technical team for the upcoming qualifiers.
He will be assisted by Ibrahim Tanko and Godwin Attram, while former Black Stars goalkeeper Fatawu Dauda has been named goalkeepers’ trainer.
The technical team is expected to name its squad later this week, with attention focused on the players who will be selected to help Ghana recover from their disastrous opening results.
The announcement will also provide an indication of the interim handlers’ immediate plans as they prepare for two matches that could significantly influence Ghana’s chances of reaching the 2027 tournament.
Ghana Under Pressure to Deliver Against Somalia
The first encounter against Somalia is scheduled for November 12, with the return fixture set for November 16. Both matches are expected to take place in Ghana.
Despite the double-header offering an opportunity to collect six valuable points, the Black Stars cannot afford to underestimate their opponents.
Having lost their opening two matches, Ghana need a strong response to prevent their qualification campaign from slipping further away.
The team’s performances against Ivory Coast and The Gambia exposed concerns that the interim technical handlers will need to address, particularly in defensive organisation, concentration and the ability to manage games after taking the lead.
