Interim Ghana assistant coach Ibrahim Tanko says the Black Stars are in a “very tough situation” after suffering two defeats at the start of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Ghana began their Group C campaign with a 2-0 loss to Ivory Coast in Bouake before being beaten 4-2 by The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The consecutive defeats led to the departure of head coach Carlos Queiroz and left the Black Stars in need of a new technical direction.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation have since formed a five-member committee to recommend a permanent head coach.
Until that appointment is made, Kim Lars Bjorkegren, Tanko, Godwin Attram and Fatau Dauda will oversee the team’s upcoming doubleheader against Somalia this month.
Tanko, who is also head coach of Medeama SC, said representing the national team remained an honour, despite the difficult circumstances surrounding the side.
“I am proud to be one of those who can help Ghana in this very tough situation,” he told Joy Sports.
“For me, national duty is something special. I have served Ghana in different capacities, and whenever the opportunity comes to contribute, I see it as a privilege.
“The situation may be challenging, but we must be ready to give our best,” he added.
Ghana will play Somalia in the opening match of the doubleheader on Thursday, November 12, with the return fixture scheduled for November 16.
Both matches are due to take place in Ghana, while the interim technical team is expected to name its squad this week.
The Black Stars are bottom of Group C without a point from their first two matches and are under pressure to take maximum points from the two meetings with Somalia.
The four-time African champions are also seeking a route back to the continental tournament after failing to qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
The two defeats have left Ghana with little margin for error in their remaining qualifying campaign, while the interim team prepares for its first assignment since taking temporary charge of the side.
Tanko said the challenging position would not lessen the commitment of those involved as they prepare for the decisive fixtures.
Ghana’s immediate task is to respond against Somalia and begin recovering from the damaging start that followed the losses to Ivory Coast and The Gambia.
