I am focused on winning games and restoring confidence in Black Stars squad – Kim Lars Björkegren

Interim Black Stars coach Kim Lars Björkegren's primary objective is to secure victories and restore trust within the squad following Ghana's 2-0 triumph over Somalia in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. The Swedish coach led the four-time African champions to their first victory of the qualifying campaign during the first leg of their double-header against Somalia at the Essipong Sports Stadium on Thursday.

Despite doubts about his prospects of securing the Black Stars position permanently, Björkegren emphasizes his dedication to supporting the players and achieving favorable outcomes. "I have to do my best when I'm here. My job is to support Ghana, be there for the boys and do my absolute best to win every game and help the boys back in this group," Björkegren stated.

"I'm doing my job now, and we will see what happens after this," he added. Björkegren was appointed interim coach after Carlos Queiroz's resignation following Ghana's poor start to the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign, which included consecutive losses to Ivory Coast and Gambia. The win propelled Ghana to third place in the group with three points, though they maintain a goal difference of minus two.

The teams will face each other again on Monday, November 16, at the Essipong Sports Stadium, where a win for Ghana would further bolster their chances of qualifying for the continental showpiece. Ghana aims to return to the AFCON after being absent from the 2025 edition in Morocco.