Former Black Queens head coach Bashiru Hayford has expressed concern over the appointment of the Black Stars’ interim technical team for Ghana’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Somalia.
Hayford has described the decision as “dangerous and surprising”, questioning the approach adopted by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation as the search for a substantive head coach continues.
The GFA and the Sports Ministry have appointed Swedish trainer Kim Lars Björkegren to lead the interim technical team for the November double-header, with Ibrahim Tanko and Godwin Attram serving as assistant coaches. Former Black Stars goalkeeper Fatawu Dauda has also been appointed goalkeepers’ coach.
Speaking in an interview with Kessben FM, Hayford drew on his experience in international football, including his time as head coach of Somalia’s national team, to explain his concerns about the appointments.
The experienced Ghanaian coach recalled his achievement with Somalia and stressed the importance of finding the right environment and role in football.
“I was the first coach to lead Somalia to victory in an international match. I have come to realise that it’s not about where you are, but where you belong. The appointment of the Black Stars interim coaches is dangerous and surprising,” Hayford said.
His remarks come at a challenging period for Ghana, with the Black Stars struggling to make a positive start to their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.
The four-time African champions have lost their opening two Group C matches against Ivory Coast and The Gambia, leaving them without a point at the bottom of the standings and facing pressure to improve their results.
Ghana’s recent difficulties have heightened concerns about the team’s direction, particularly after the country also failed to qualify for the 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco.
The appointment of the interim technical team followed the departure of Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz after the Black Stars’ disappointing opening results in the qualifiers.
Björkegren and his assistants have been tasked with preparing the team for the two encounters against Somalia, with Ghana needing positive results to revive their qualification campaign and restore confidence among supporters.
Meanwhile, the GFA and the Sports Ministry are continuing their search for a permanent head coach, who is expected to be appointed before the final round of qualifying matches next year.
Hayford’s comments add to the growing debate over the composition of the interim technical team and the broader decisions facing Ghana’s football authorities as they seek to rebuild the Black Stars.
