The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is exploring options for an interim coach for the Black Stars ahead of their November 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying fixtures against Somalia. This development follows the departure of Carlos Queiroz and Ghana's dismal start to AFCON qualifying, with two consecutive defeats to Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia, leaving the team without a point.
The urgency for a new coach stems from the team's precarious situation in the qualifying group. A 2-0 loss to Côte d'Ivoire in their opener was followed by a 4-2 defeat at home to The Gambia. These back-to-back losses have put the Black Stars at the bottom of their qualifying group. The GFA is under pressure to name a coach before the Somalia double-header in November.
Ibrahim Tanko, currently coaching Medeama SC, and Godwin Attram, a Black Stars assistant coach, have emerged as leading candidates for the interim role. Both candidates have experience within Ghana's national team structures. Tanko previously served as an assistant coach of the senior national team and managed the Black Meteors. Attram, a former Ghana international, is already part of the existing Black Stars backroom staff as an assistant coach.
The GFA's consideration of Tanko and Attram is influenced by their familiarity with the national team environment. This shared understanding is seen as a key factor in the GFA's thinking as it looks for a caretaker while the permanent recruitment process unfolds. The association is seeking a temporary solution to ensure the team is adequately prepared for the Somalia fixtures.
A five-member committee, established by the GFA and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, is tasked with finding a substantive head coach. The committee will assess candidates and present a recommendation before Ghana's final two AFCON qualifying fixtures, against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia, scheduled for March 2027. No formal decision on either the interim or permanent appointment had been made at the time of publication.
Michael Essien, a former Chelsea and Real Madrid midfielder, has also emerged as a potential candidate for Ghana’s interim head coaching role. Essien has been working as an assistant coach at Danish club FC Nordsjaelland since 2020. His experience and profile make him a viable option for the position.
The GFA's efforts to resolve the coaching situation are crucial to the team's prospects in the AFCON qualifying campaign. With the Somalia fixtures looming, the association must make a timely decision on the interim coach and continue the search for a permanent head coach to lead the Black Stars forward.
Key points
- The GFA is considering Ibrahim Tanko and Godwin Attram for the interim coaching role.
- Ghana faces a pressing need to appoint a coach ahead of their November 2027 AFCON qualifying fixtures against Somalia.
- A five-member committee has been established to find a substantive head coach for the Black Stars.
