Kim Lars Björkegren is set to become the latest coach to work with both the Black Stars and Black Queens after being appointed to lead Ghana’s senior men’s team on an interim basis for their November 2026 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Somalia.

The Swedish tactician joins E.K. Afranie and Mas-Ud Didi Dramani among the Ghanaian coaches who have served both national teams in different capacities.

E.K. Afranie

The late E.K. Afranie was one of Ghana’s most experienced coaches, having worked with several national teams during his career.

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He served as an assistant to Fred Osam Duodu when Ghana won the 1978 Africa Cup of Nations before taking charge of the Black Stars in 1984.

His spell ended in disappointment as Ghana exited the continental tournament in the group stage in Côte d’Ivoire.

Afranie later took charge of the Black Queens in 1998, guiding them to the final of the inaugural African Women’s Championship in Nigeria.

The runners-up finish secured Ghana’s qualification for their maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup, held in the United States in 1999.

Mas-Ud Didi Dramani

Didi Dramani has also worked with both national teams, building experience in men’s and women’s football.

Before becoming widely recognised for his work with Asante Kotoko, he coached Ghana’s female youth teams, including the Black Maidens and Black Princesses.

He later became part of the Black Stars’ technical setup and has served as an assistant coach.

Dramani also took charge of the Black Queens in 2017, with Mercy Tagoe-Quarcoo named as his assistant.

Kim Lars Björkegren

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Björkegren was appointed Black Queens head coach in January 2025, succeeding Nora Häuptle.

He guided Ghana to a bronze medal at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, played in Morocco in 2025.

He joined the Black Stars’ technical staff as an assistant ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

Following Carlos Queiroz’s departure in October 2026, Björkegren was selected to lead the Black Stars on an interim basis for the November qualifiers against Somalia.

FKA/AM