Björkegren is the best-performing coach in terms of the national teams – Henry Asante Twum

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has defended its decision to appoint Kim Lars Björkegren as interim coach of the Black Stars, saying his record with Ghana’s national teams made him the preferred candidate for the job.

The Swedish coach, who currently manages the Black Queens, will take charge of the senior men’s team for their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Somalia following the departure of Carlos Queiroz.

A five-member committee recommended Björkegren for the temporary role, with Ibrahim Tanko and Godwin Attram named as his assistants.

GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum said the committee assessed coaches working within the national team structure before making its decision.

“The committee looked within and settled on Kim Lars Bjorkegren because he is the best-performing coach in terms of the national teams, so I don’t think it will be a challenge for him,” he told Asempa FM.

The GFA says familiarity with the previous coaching setup and success in domestic football also influenced the appointments of Tanko and Attram.

Asante Twum said Attram was selected partly because of his previous work with Queiroz, allowing the new technical team to retain some continuity following the Portuguese coach’s departure.

“The committee felt we have to look at someone who worked with Carlos Queiroz, and it is obviously Godwin Attram,” he said.

Tanko’s appointment, meanwhile, was backed by his achievements in the Ghana Premier League.

“Ibrahim Tanko is the best coach in the country at the moment. He is the defending champion of the Ghana Premier League and currently sits at the top of the league,” Asante Twum added.

Björkegren’s appointment comes at a busy period for Ghanaian football, with the Black Queens also preparing for a Women’s World Cup play-off tournament.

Ghana are scheduled to face Ecuador, Uzbekistan and Papua New Guinea in the competition, which is reportedly due to take place in Morocco on 28 November.

That date falls 13 days after the Black Stars’ second qualifier against Somalia, raising questions about how Björkegren will manage the demands of both teams.

Asante Twum acknowledged that the GFA was aware of the Black Queens’ upcoming commitments but played down concerns that the dual role would affect their preparations.

“We are aware that the Black Queens will prepare next month for the World Cup play-offs, but I don’t think that his appointment will be a hindrance,” he said.

The immediate challenge for Björkegren will be to oversee the Black Stars’ AFCON qualifying campaign while ensuring that the women’s team remain on course for their World Cup play-off commitments.

The GFA has expressed confidence in the arrangement, although the demands of preparing two national teams for separate competitions will put that confidence to the test.