Former Black Queens coach Bashiru Hayford has described the appointment of the Black Stars’ interim technical team for their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Somalia as “dangerous and surprising”.

The Ghanaian coach, who previously managed Somalia’s national team, questioned the decision in an interview with Kessben FM, raising concerns about the choice of personnel to lead the four-time African champions during a crucial stage of their qualifying campaign.

Kim Lars Björkegren has been appointed to lead the interim technical team, with Ibrahim Tanko and Godwin Attram serving as assistants. Former Ghana goalkeeper Fatawu Dauda has been named goalkeeper coach.

Hayford drew on his international coaching experience to explain his concerns, highlighting his achievement with Somalia during his time in charge of the East African nation.

“I was the first coach to lead Somalia to victory in an international match. I have come to realize 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.

The appointment follows the departure of Carlos Queiroz, who left his position after Ghana’s disappointing start to the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.

The Black Stars are under pressure to turn their fortunes around after consecutive defeats against Ivory Coast and The Gambia left them bottom of Group C without a point.

The results have raised serious concerns about Ghana’s prospects of qualifying for the continental tournament, particularly after the team failed to reach the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.

The interim technical team has been tasked with steering Ghana through a crucial double-header against Somalia in November as the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation continue their search for a permanent head coach.

Ghana will be hoping to secure maximum points from the two matches to revive their qualification hopes and avoid another disappointing campaign.

A permanent head coach is expected to be appointed before the Black Stars resume their remaining qualifying fixtures next year.