The head coach of Ghana’s senior women’s national team, Kim Lars Bjorkegren, has downplayed expectations ahead of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Bjorkegren Has admitted that the Black Queens are not among the tournament favourites.
However, he remains hopeful that his team could spring a surprise in Morocco.
Ghana is returning to the continental competition for the first time since 2018, aiming to make an impact despite a lack of recent tournament experience.
The Black Queens have reached the WAFCON final three times, in 1998, 2002, and 2006 but are still chasing their maiden title.
“Ghana hasn’t won the title, and the last final was in 2006. So we’re not among the favourites,” Bjorkegren told CAFOnline.com. “But I believe we can be a strong underdog.
If we stick to the game plan and have a good day, we can beat any team.”
The Swedish coach took over the reins earlier this year, following the departure of former head coach Nora Hauptle, whose contract was not renewed by the Ghana Football Association.
Bjorkegren has acknowledged that the team is still in transition and emphasized the need for continued development both on and off the pitch.
“We still have work to do, both on and off the pitch. Tactically, we need to be more organised, and fitness levels must improve,” he said. “One of our long-term goals is to get our top players competing in stronger leagues.
We’ve had very limited training sessions so far, but with every camp, we grow stronger.”
Ghana has been drawn into a challenging Group C alongside reigning champions South Africa, Mali, and Tanzania. The Black Queens will kick off their campaign when the tournament begins on July 5 in Morocco.
Despite the odds, Bjorkegren is determined to guide the team to new heights, and fans will be hoping the underdog narrative turns into a historic run for Ghana’s women’s football.
