Swedish tactician puts Ghana’s qualification ambitions ahead of personal coaching future after crucial Somalia victory
Interim Black Stars head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren has pledged to give his absolute best to Ghana’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign, insisting his priority is securing the country’s return to the continental showpiece rather than worrying about his long-term future.
The Swedish tactician made the commitment after guiding Ghana to a vital 2-0 victory over Somalia on Thursday, a result that revived the Black Stars’ qualification hopes following consecutive defeats in their opening Group C fixtures.
Appointed following the departure of Carlos Queiroz, Bjorkegren marked his first competitive appearance in charge with an important victory that lifted Ghana from the bottom of the group to third place.
Responding to questions about whether he believes he is the right man for the permanent coaching position, the interim manager maintained that his immediate responsibility is to serve the national team and deliver results.
“It’s not a question for me; I’m going to do my best when I’m here. I said it the whole time, my job is to be here to support Ghana, to be there for the boys, and do my absolute best to win every game and to help the boys back in this group, because I think we can go all the way and qualify for the AFCON. So, I’m doing my job now, and then we will see what happens after this,” Bjorkegren told the press.
His comments underline a determination to prioritise Ghana’s collective ambition over the uncertainty surrounding his managerial position, with the Black Stars now presented with an opportunity to strengthen their qualification prospects.
Ghana will face Somalia again on Monday, November 16, in the reverse fixture, with another victory potentially moving them closer to qualification.
The Black Stars could further benefit if Cote d’Ivoire defeat The Gambia in their corresponding fixture, a result that would improve Ghana’s position in the race for the two qualification spots in Group C.
With qualification hopes restored, Bjorkegren and his players will now be focused on turning Thursday’s breakthrough into sustained momentum as Ghana seek to secure a place at AFCON 2027.