Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Björkegren is expected to take charge of the Ghana Black Stars on an interim basis for their crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Somalia in November.

The Swedish tactician is set to lead a temporary technical team that will also include Medeama head coach Ibrahim Tanko and current Black Stars assistant Godwin Attram, according to multiple reports.

The appointment follows the departure of Carlos Queiroz after Ghana’s disappointing start to the qualifying campaign. The Black Stars lost 2-0 to Côte d’Ivoire before surrendering a two-goal lead in a 4-2 home defeat to The Gambia, leaving them bottom of Group C without a point.

Björkegren, who has been in charge of the women’s national team since January 2025 and guided them to third place at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, brings prior familiarity with the senior men’s setup. He was previously linked with an assistant role ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup while continuing his duties with the Black Queens.

Attram already serves as a Black Stars assistant, offering continuity, while Tanko has previous experience with the senior national team and the Black Meteors (Ghana’s U-23 side).

The interim arrangement is designed to ensure the team is prepared for the home-and-away fixtures against Somalia, scheduled for the November international window, while the Ghana Football Association and a five-member search committee continue their hunt for a permanent head coach.

The GFA is expected to officially communicate this announcement.

Ghana’s Sports Minister Kofi Adams has insisted there is no basis for his removal over the ongoing World Cup visa controversy, stressing that no public funds were lost in the matter.

READ MORE : “Its really tough” – Coach Björkegren

Kofi Adams was reacting growing concerns following of VISA issues that have been hanging over the past few weeks in local media.

He stated: “There’s no justification to dismiss me over the World Cup visa scandal, because no government money has been lost.”

The minister’s remarks come amid growing public and political pressure following questions surrounding visa arrangements linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Adams maintained that the absence of any financial loss to the state removes grounds for his dismissal.

READ MORE: Black Queens thrash Mauritius 7-0 in Olympic Qualifiers

In a related development, NSA boss Yaw Ampofo Ankrah was asked to step aside from his role earlier this month by President John Mahama.

Black Queens head coach Lars Kim Björkegren has described the path to qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games as “really tough” but says he “believes in the girls” to get the job done.

The Queens strolled past Mauritius 10-0 to progress to the next phase and now will face  Zambia in the third round, scheduled for 23 February to 6 March 2027.

“We have the potential to go all the way,” Björkegren said.

“In football, there is no easy game, especially when it comes to qualifying for the Olympics, as only two countries from Africa will go to Los Angeles.

“It is really tough to get there; we need to win. I believe in the girls, and I think we [will] be there.”

The Black Queens have never qualified for the Olympic Games in the country’s history.

Just two slots are available for African teams.

Former Black Stars midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has voiced concern over the state of football facilities in Ghana, saying inadequate infrastructure is damaging the game’s attractiveness.

The local league’s appeal over the years has dwindled with many calling for immediate action to be taken to salvage the situation.

Speaking to Kumasi based radio station, Ahenfie FM, he expunge on the poor infrastructure in the country which has reduced the appeal of the Ghana Premier League and football in general.

“The poor infrastructure is making our football less attractive.” he ended

His comments highlight ongoing challenges facing the development of football in the country, from grassroots level to the professional game

The 35-year-old, who earned 78 caps and scored 11 goals for the Black Stars between 2008 and 2017, began his career with local sides Berlin FC and Berekum Arsenal before a loan spell at Asante Kotoko.

He later returned to the Ghana Premier League with Accra Great Olympics in 2022–23 after a long career in Europe.