It's dangerous and surprising - Bashiru Hayford questions Black Stars interim coaching appointments

Former Black Queens head coach Bashiru Hayford has described Ghana’s decision to appoint an interim technical team for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Somalia as “dangerous and surprising”.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation have appointed Kim Lars Björkegren to lead the interim technical team, with Ibrahim Tanko and Godwin Attram serving as assistants. Former Black Stars goalkeeper Fatawu Dauda has been named goalkeepers’ coach.

However, Hayford has questioned the decision, expressing surprise at the composition of the technical team ahead of the crucial double-header against Somalia in November.

Speaking on Kessben FM, the experienced coach drew on his international coaching career to make his point, highlighting his achievement with the Somali national team.

“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,” he said.

Hayford’s comments come at a difficult time for Ghana, who are struggling to revive their qualifying campaign following successive defeats against Ivory Coast and The Gambia.

The Black Stars’ disappointing start has left them bottom of Group C without a point, raising concerns about their prospects of qualifying for the 2027 tournament in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco has added to the pressure on the team to avoid another major disappointment.

The interim technical team faces the immediate challenge of guiding the four-time African champions through the two matches against Somalia in November, with both fixtures scheduled to take place at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Meanwhile, the GFA and the Sports Ministry are continuing their search for a substantive head coach following the departure of Carlos Queiroz.

A permanent appointment is expected ahead of Ghana’s final round of qualifying matches next year, as the Black Stars seek to recover from their poor start and secure a place at the continental showpiece.