Bashiru Hayford questions Black Stars interim coaching appointments

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation have appointed Kim Lars Björkegren to lead the interim technical team for the November double-header, with Ibrahim Tanko and Godwin Attram serving as assistants.

Former Black Stars goalkeeper Fatawu Dauda has also been named goalkeepers’ coach for the crucial matches, which will be played at the Accra Sports Stadium.

However, Hayford has questioned the decision, drawing on his experience as a coach in international football, including his time in charge of Somalia’s national team.

Speaking in an interview with Kessben FM, the former Somalia coach said his experiences had taught him that success depended not simply on where a person worked but on finding the right environment and role.

“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,” Hayford said.

His comments come at a difficult time for Ghana, who are seeking to revive their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign after consecutive defeats against Ivory Coast and The Gambia.

The poor results have left the four-time African champions bottom of their qualifying group and increased concerns about their prospects of reaching the tournament, having also missed the 2025 edition in Morocco.

The appointment of the interim team followed the departure of Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz, who left his position after Ghana’s disappointing start to the qualifying campaign.

Björkegren and his assistants have been tasked with guiding the Black Stars through the two matches against Somalia as the GFA and the Sports Ministry continue their search for a permanent head coach.

Ghana will be under pressure to secure positive results in the double-header to improve their chances of qualification and restore confidence in the national team.

A permanent head coach is expected to be appointed before the final round of qualifying matches next year.

Source:Fiilasports/ghanasoccernet