Bjorkegren Targets Stronger WAFCON Run as Black Queens Embrace Group D Challenge
Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Björkegren has expressed confidence and ambition ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, insisting Ghana are ready to push for an improved showing at the continental tournament.
Ghana have been drawn into a competitive Group D alongside Cameroon, Mali and Cape Verde, a lineup that promises stern tests from the opening round. Despite the challenge, Björkegren says the Queens are approaching the competition with optimism, driven by progress made over the past year.
Reflecting on Ghana’s rise in African football, the Swedish tactician highlighted the team’s improved standing on the continent following their bronze-medal finish at the last edition.
“I am looking forward to the tournament,” Björkegren said. “When I came in, we were No.6 in Africa, but now we are No.3, which makes us top-seeded.”
While acknowledging that seeding alone guarantees nothing, the coach stressed that Ghana are prepared for the quality they will face in the group stage.
“At the end of the day, whether it’s going to help or not, I don’t know. We will face another three really good teams, but as I said, I am looking forward to the tournament.”
Björkegren made it clear that the Black Queens are not settling for past achievements, underlining a collective desire to go further this time around. “We will push to do an even better tournament this time,” he added.
The stakes at the 2026 WAFCON are particularly high, with the top two teams in each group advancing to the quarterfinals and the eventual semifinalists earning qualification for the Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Ghana will be based in Fes for the group phase as preparations intensify, with the Black Queens aiming to turn belief and momentum into a memorable WAFCON campaign.
