I think Black Stars can qualify for 2027 AFCON, says interim coach Kim Lars Björkegren

Interim Black Stars coach Kim Lars Björkegren believes Ghana have what it takes to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), despite their difficult start to the qualifying campaign.

The four-time African champions revived their hopes of reaching the tournament with a 2-0 victory over Somalia in their Matchday 3 encounter at the Essipong Sports Stadium on Thursday.

Goals from Jonas Adjetey and Felix Afena-Gyan, one in each half, secured Ghana’s first three points of the campaign after successive defeats in their opening two matches.

Speaking after the game, Björkegren reaffirmed his commitment to the national team, insisting that he is determined to give his best and help restore confidence within the squad.

“My job is to be here to support Ghana, to be there for the boys and do my absolute best to win every game and to help the boys back in this group,” the Swedish coach said.

The interim coach also expressed confidence in the team’s ability to secure qualification, stressing that his focus remains on the task at hand rather than what the future holds beyond his current role.

“I think we can go all the way and qualify for the AFCON. So I’m doing my job now, and then we will see what happens after this,” he added.

The victory lifts Ghana to third place in Group C with three points, although they remain on a negative goal difference of two.

Björkegren’s side will face Somalia again on Monday, 16 November, at the Essipong Sports Stadium in the return fixture, with another victory crucial to their hopes of progressing to the continental tournament.

Ghana are seeking a return to the AFCON after failing to qualify for the 2025 edition in Morocco, bringing an end to their run of successive appearances at the competition.