Black Queens head coach, Kim Lars Björkegren, has outlined a clear three-step mission for the team as they prepare to launch their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign in Morocco.
The Swedish tactician has set his sights on nothing less than a strong group-stage finish, World Cup qualification and ultimately lifting the continental trophy, as Ghana begin their campaign against tournament debutants Cape Verde on Wednesday in Casablanca.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Björkegren revealed the ambitious roadmap guiding the Black Queens’ campaign.
“We have three targets: qualify from the group stage, win the quarter-final to qualify for the World Cup, and go all the way to win the 2026 WAFCON.”
While all three objectives carry significant weight, securing victory in the quarter-finals could prove the most important milestone for Ghanaian women’s football.
A place in the semi-finals would guarantee the Black Queens qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, giving Ghana the opportunity to return to the global stage for the first time since 2007.
Björkegren Wants to Build on Black Queens’ Recent Progress
Björkegren, who was appointed head coach in September 2024, has overseen a period of renewed optimism around the Black Queens.
Reflecting on his time in charge, the coach acknowledged the progress made by the team, particularly after Ghana secured a bronze medal at the previous WAFCON tournament, which was also hosted in Morocco.
“We were happy with the bronze medal in the previous WAFCON. I think we did really good. When I came in, I took over a team that normally hadn’t performed really good in a long time,” he said.
Ghana’s third-place finish at the 2024 WAFCON represented a significant step forward for the team. The Black Queens defeated South Africa in the third-place playoff to secure the bronze medal and have since continued their preparations under Björkegren’s leadership.
The coach has also sought to expose his players to stronger opposition as part of Ghana’s development programme. The Black Queens recorded an impressive victory over Russia and delivered a competitive performance against England in a December friendly.
Their preparations for the 2026 tournament have also included a training camp in Morocco, with the team rounding off their warm-up fixtures with a convincing 4-0 victory over Malawi.
Cape Verde Challenge Awaits
The Black Queens will open their Group C campaign against Cape Verde, who are making their historic debut at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite Ghana’s experience at the continental level, Björkegren insists his players cannot afford to underestimate their opponents.
The coach expects Cape Verde to approach their first WAFCON appearance with determination and passion, making Wednesday’s encounter a potentially challenging opening fixture.
“We are feeling that we are going to be ready for the upcoming game. It is going to be a tough one; first time with Cape Verde in the WAFCON. They will for sure play with passion,” Björkegren said.
“We expect a tough game, but we believe in ourselves and if we do our things, we can start the tournament with a win. At least that’s our goal and target,” he added.
Black Queens Promise Attacking Football
Björkegren has also given Ghanaian supporters an insight into the style of football they can expect from the Black Queens during the tournament.
Black Queens
The coach says Ghana will adopt an attacking approach while relying on an aggressive high-pressing game and a strong defensive foundation.
“We will see a Black Queens team that will go for the attack. I will say we are the best high-pressing team in Africa. I know we have a strong defence. I really believe in this group of girls. They will do everything to win the game,” he stated.
His comments underline Ghana’s ambition to take control of matches rather than simply rely on defensive resilience, with the team expected to combine intensity, pressing and attacking intent throughout the competition.
Portia Boakye Leads Ghana’s WAFCON Charge
The Black Queens will be led by experienced captain Portia Boakye, who heads a 26-player squad combining seasoned campaigners with emerging talents from the Ghana Women’s Premier League and clubs across Europe.
Ghana’s opening Group C fixture against Cape Verde is scheduled for 17:00 GMT at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca.
The Black Queens will then face five-time champions Cameroon on Saturday, August 2, before completing their group-stage campaign against Mali on Thursday, August 6.
With a place at the 2027 Women’s World Cup at stake and continental glory firmly in their sights, Björkegren and his players know exactly what is expected of them.
For Ghana, the journey begins with Cape Verde. But the ultimate destination is clear: a return to the World Cup and a serious challenge for WAFCON gold.
