Kwesi Appiah strongly considered for third stint as Black Stars interim coach

James Kwesi Appiah could return for a third stint as Ghana head coach, this time in an interim role ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, multiple sources have indicated.

With the Ghana Football Association (GFA) unwilling to break the bank for a "world-class big name" coach, Appiah has reportedly agreed to take charge on a temporary basis. Desmond Ofei is expected to remain in his role as assistant coach.

The FA is expected to appoint a permanent head coach after the tournament, with Hervé Renard and Pitso Mosimane among the leading candidates for the long-term role.

Appiah, who previously managed the Black Stars from 2012 to 2014 and again from 2017 to 2020, guided Ghana to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

His familiarity with the setup and willingness to step in on short notice make him a practical choice for the interim position.

The decision comes after the dismissal of Otto Addo following a poor run of friendly results, including a heavy 5-1 defeat to Austria and a 2-1 loss to Germany. With just over two months until Ghana's World Cup opener against Panama on June 17, the GFA has opted for an experienced hand rather than an expensive long-term appointment.

Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama. Appiah's immediate task will be to prepare the team for upcoming friendlies against Mexico on May 22 and Wales on June 2.