2027 AFCON Qualifiers: It is a wise decision - Nii Odartey Lamptey on settling on interim technical team for Black Stars' games against Somalia

Former Ghana international Nii Odartey Lamptey has backed the decision to appoint an interim technical team for the Black Stars’ 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Somalia.

Ghana are looking to return to the continental tournament after missing the 2025 edition in Morocco, but their qualifying campaign has started poorly, leading to the departure of head coach Carlos Queiroz.

The Black Stars lost 2-0 to Ivory Coast in Bouake before suffering a 4-2 defeat by The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium, leaving their hopes of qualification in jeopardy.

Queiroz subsequently resigned, prompting the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation to begin the search for a substantive head coach.

Ahead of next month’s Matchday Three and Four fixtures against Somalia, the five-member search committee has settled on an interim arrangement to oversee the team.

Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Björkegren will lead the technical team, assisted by Ibrahim Tanko and Godwin Attram, while former Ghana goalkeeper Fatawu Dauda has been appointed goalkeeper trainer.

Lamptey believes the interim arrangement will give the authorities enough time to identify the right candidate for the permanent role.

“It is a wise decision to settle on interim coaches for the Black Stars ahead of the Somalia games,” he told Asempa FM.

“I hope the committee doesn't repeat the mistakes it has made in the past, so I believe they will take their time and settle on a new head coach for the long term,” he added.

The search committee was established jointly by the GFA and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation following Queiroz’s departure to oversee the recruitment of a new head coach.

Ghana will host Somalia in both qualifying matches at the Accra Sports Stadium as they seek to revive their campaign and improve their chances of reaching the 2027 AFCON.

The authorities are expected to appoint a substantive head coach before Ghana’s final qualifying matches next year, with the recruitment process under pressure to deliver a long-term solution after the team’s disappointing start.