Kim Lars Björkegren, the acting head coach of Ghana's Black Stars, is poised to make history by becoming the first coach to lead both the Black Stars and the Black Queens. His appointment comes at a crucial time for the Black Stars, who are reeling from a disappointing start to their AFCON qualifiers, having lost their opening two matches to Cote d'Ivoire and The Gambia. Björkegren's success with the Black Queens, whom he led to a respectable third position in the Africa Women Cup of Nations, has raised hopes that he can bring stability to the team.
Björkegren's approach is expected to differ from that of his predecessors, with a focus on integrating local players into the team. In his last two games against Cote d'Ivoire and The Gambia, Ghana fielded a team with only one local player, goalkeeper Benjamin Asare. The coach has already handed call-ups to three new home-based players for the Somalia double-header: Musa Hamzata of Asante Kotoko SC, and Medeama SC duo Emmanuel Annor and Etse Dogli. This move is seen as a positive step towards developing Ghanaian football and giving local players a chance to prove themselves.
The inclusion of local players in the team is expected to bring a fresh dynamic to the Black Stars. Björkegren's experience working with local talents during his time with the Black Queens has given him a deeper understanding of the pool of players available in Ghana. By giving these players a chance, he aims to create a more balanced team with a mix of local and international players. This approach is also seen as a way to develop Ghanaian football, as local players will have the opportunity to gain experience and improve their skills.
The Black Stars will face Somalia in a double-header, with the first leg scheduled for November 12, 2026, at the Essipong Sports Stadium in Sekondi-Takoradi. The return fixture will be played on November 16, 2026, at the same venue. Both matches will kick off at 3:00 pm GMT. The team has been in training since November 8, 2026, and will hold their final training session in Accra on Tuesday afternoon before traveling to Sekondi.
Björkegren's appointment has been met with a mix of excitement and skepticism. While some fans are eager to see the coach's impact on the team, others have expressed concerns about his ability to lead the Black Stars to success. However, with his track record of success with the Black Queens and his focus on developing local talent, there is hope that he can bring a positive change to the team.
The development of local players is crucial for the growth of Ghanaian football. By giving them a chance to play for the Black Stars, Björkegren is not only providing them with an opportunity to gain experience but also helping to identify and nurture young talent. This approach is expected to have a long-term impact on the team, as local players will be able to develop their skills and become an integral part of the team.
As the Black Stars prepare to face Somalia, fans will be watching with bated breath to see how Björkegren's new approach will pan out. With a focus on local talent and a fresh dynamic, there is hope that the team will be able to turn their fortunes around and achieve success in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Key points
- Björkegren to give local players a chance in the Black Stars team.
Reporting sources
- Give local players chance now · Weekly Spectator
