Interim Ghana assistant coach Ibrahim Tanko has acknowledged that Black Stars are in a difficult position following their disappointing start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.

The senior national team endured a disastrous start to their Group C campaign, suffering a 2-0 defeat to Ivory Coast in Bouake before losing 4-2 to The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The back-to-back defeats prompted the departure of head coach Carlos Queiroz, leaving the Black Stars searching for a new technical direction.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation have since established a five-member committee to recommend a substantive head coach.

In the meantime, Kim Lars Björkegren, Tanko, Godwin Attram and Fatau Dauda have been tasked with guiding the team through their upcoming doubleheader against Somalia this month.

Tanko, who also coaches Medeama SC, says he considers the opportunity to serve the national team a privilege despite the challenging circumstances.

“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 are scheduled to face Somalia in the first encounter on Thursday, November 12, with the return fixture set for November 16. 

The interim technical team is expected to announce its squad this week ahead of the two encounters, which are both scheduled to take place in Ghana.

Ghana currently sit bottom of Group C without a point from their opening two matches and face mounting pressure to collect maximum points against Somalia.

The four-time African champions are also desperate to return to the continental showpiece after missing the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.