Ibrahim Tanko open to Black Stars job if offered opportunity

Medeama SC head coach Ibrahim Tanko has expressed his openness to take charge of the Ghana national football team, the Black Stars, if given the opportunity and provided with the necessary support. Currently, Ghana lacks a competent head coach after Carlos Queiroz left, due to disagreements over his demands between the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation. The national team is set to prepare for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers starting in September.

Assistant coach Desmond Ofei is being considered for the vacant position, but Tanko has also emerged as a potential candidate. He has previously worked under Ghana’s former head coach Kwesi Appiah and is confident he would accept the national team job if selected.

Tanko, who has extensive experience with Ghana’s national team set-up, including a stint as head coach of the Black Meteors (Ghana’s U-23 side), acknowledged that his previous tenure with Black Meteors did not result in qualification for the Olympic Games. If appointed, Tanko would become the seventh head coach under GFA President Kurt Okraku's administration, underscoring the ongoing quest for stability in the Black Stars’ technical department.

The comments from Tanko may spark further debate on who should lead the Black Stars as they prepare for the upcoming 2027 AFCON qualifiers, which will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Following their absence from the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, Ghana is eager to secure a spot at the 2027 tournament.