Kim Lars Björkegren Urges Black Queens to Seize the Moment Against Mali
Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Björkegren has called on his players to embrace the challenge ahead of Ghana’s crucial Group D showdown with Mali, insisting there can be no relaxation despite the team’s favourable position in the standings.
Ghana enter Thursday’s final group match at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) needing only a draw to book a place in the quarter-finals. Mali, however, must claim all three points to keep their tournament alive.
Despite holding the upper hand, Björkegren says his squad is treating the encounter with the same urgency as every knockout-style fixture.
“So, it’s just fun, and from now on in a tournament like this, it’s a must-win game every time you are playing. So, it’s nothing special. It’s just to grab the moment and enjoy the day.”
The Swedish tactician wants his players to focus on delivering their best performance rather than thinking about the permutations, believing the team should relish the opportunity to compete on such a big stage.
The Black Queens opened their campaign with a convincing 2-0 victory over Cape Verde before suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in their second outing. That result left qualification to the knockout phase to be decided on the final day of the group stage.
Ghana currently sit second in Group D behind Cameroon, who have already secured top spot with six points after winning their opening two matches.
Avoiding defeat against Mali would be enough to send the Black Queens into the last eight, keeping their hopes alive of reaching the semi-finals and securing one of the four African qualification places for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
With a place in the knockout rounds within touching distance, Björkegren is backing his side to rise to the occasion and make the most of the opportunity before them.
