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

Interim Black Stars coach Kim Lars Björkegren says his priority is to win matches and rebuild confidence within the squad following Ghana’s 2-0 victory over Somalia in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

The Swedish coach guided the four-time African champions to their first win of the qualifying campaign in the first leg of their double-header against Somalia at the Essipong Sports Stadium on Thursday.

With questions surrounding his chances of securing the Black Stars job on a permanent basis, Björkegren insists his immediate focus is on supporting the players and delivering positive results.

“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 said.

“I’m doing my job now, and we will see what happens after this,” he added.

Björkegren was appointed interim coach following the resignation of Carlos Queiroz after Ghana’s disappointing start to the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.

The Black Stars had opened their Group C campaign with consecutive defeats against Ivory Coast and Gambia, leaving their qualification hopes under pressure.

Thursday’s victory moves Ghana to third place in the group with three points, although they remain on a goal difference of minus two.

The two teams will meet again on Monday, 16 November, at the Essipong Sports Stadium, where another victory would strengthen Ghana’s chances of securing qualification.

Ghana are seeking a return to the continental showpiece after missing out on the 2025 edition in Morocco.

The 2027 AFCON tournament will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.