I am proud to help Ghana in difficult AFCON qualifying situation, says Ibrahim Tanko

Black Stars interim assistant coach Ibrahim Tanko says he is proud to serve Ghana despite the team's difficult position following a disappointing start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

Ghana suffered consecutive defeats in their opening two Group C matches, losing 2-0 to Ivory Coast in Bouake before falling to a 4-2 defeat against The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The poor results led to the departure of head coach Carlos Queiroz, leaving the four-time African champions searching for a new technical direction.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation have since constituted a five-member committee to recommend a substantive head coach.

In the interim, Kim Lars Björkegren has been tasked with leading the Black Stars, with Tanko, Godwin Attram and Fatau Dauda forming part of his technical team for the upcoming doubleheader against Somalia.

Tanko, who also serves as head coach of Medeama SC, says representing the country remains a special responsibility and considers his appointment an opportunity to contribute to Ghana's football.

"I am proud to be one of those who can help Ghana in this very tough situation," he told Joy Sports.

"For me, national duty is something special. I have served Ghana in different capacities, and whenever the opportunity comes to contribute, I see it as a privilege.

"The situation may be challenging, but we must be ready to give our best," he added.

The Black Stars will host Somalia in the first encounter on November 12 before facing the same opponents in the return fixture on November 16. Both matches are scheduled to take place in Ghana.

The interim technical team is expected to announce its squad this week as preparations intensify for the crucial encounters.

Ghana currently sit bottom of Group C without a point after two matches and will be under pressure to secure maximum points against Somalia to revive their qualification hopes.

The Black Stars are also desperate to return to the continental showpiece after missing the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, having finished bottom of their qualifying group without recording a victory.