Ghana Football Association (GFA) Communications Director Henry Asante Twum says Kim Lars Björkegren is ready to lead the interim Black Stars technical team while continuing as head coach of the Black Queens.
The Swedish coach has been appointed to take charge of Ghana for their back-to-back matches against Somalia in the third and fourth rounds of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Björkegren’s appointment follows the departure of Carlos Queiroz after Ghana lost their opening two qualifiers against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia, leaving the Black Stars bottom of Group C without a point.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, Asante Twum said Björkegren had welcomed the opportunity to lead the senior men’s team and was eager to test himself in the role.
“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,” he said.
Björkegren will work alongside Ibrahim Tanko and Godwin Attram as assistant coaches, with Fatawu Dauda appointed goalkeepers’ coach.
The 44-year-old will also continue his responsibilities with the Black Queens, who are preparing for their FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying play-offs.
Asante Twum said the scheduling of the men’s and women’s international windows would allow the coach to manage both assignments without a direct clash.
“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.
He added that the separate schedules would give Björkegren sufficient time to focus on each team as their respective fixtures approach.
“The women’s international window is completely different from the men’s international window. While the women are playing, the men are on a break, and when the men resume, the women also have their turn,” Asante Twum said.
Björkegren is not new to the Black Stars setup, having previously served as one of Otto Addo’s assistants during preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, including friendly matches against Austria and Germany.
His interim appointment presents an opportunity to lead Ghana’s senior men’s team as they seek to revive their AFCON qualifying campaign.
Asante Twum has called on the public to support the coach as he takes on the assignment before returning his attention to the Black Queens.
