Head coach of the Black Queens, Kim Lars Bjorkegren, has acknowledged that Ghana may not be among the frontrunners to win the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), but believes his side has the potential to spring a surprise at the tournament.
Ghana’s senior women’s national team will be making a return to the continental competition for the first time since 2018.
Despite reaching the finals in 1998, 2002, and 2006, the elusive WAFCON trophy has remained out of reach for the Queens.
Speaking to CAFOnline.com, the Swedish coach played down his side’s chances of lifting the title.
“Ghana hasn’t won the title, and the last final was in 2006. So we’re not among the favourites,” he said.
“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.”
Bjorkegren, who took over from Nora Hauptle earlier this year after her contract was not renewed by the Ghana Football Association, says the team is still undergoing a transition as they build toward long-term success.
“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 continued.
“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 alongside reigning champions South Africa, Mali, and Tanzania.
The 2024 WAFCON kicks off in Morocco on July 5, and Bjorkegren will be hoping to guide the Black Queens to their maiden title.
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