Ghana Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Björkegren says his side is approaching its decisive Group D clash against Mali without pressure, insisting the players remain calm and focused ahead of the crucial fixture.
The Black Queens face Mali today, August 6, at the Moulay Rashid Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco, with qualification to the knockout stage of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) at stake.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Björkegren said the team's relaxed mindset has been a key part of its preparations.
"We don't have any pressure at all, not for a single second," the Swedish coach told reporters.
"I think for the girls, I can't talk for them, but they look pretty relaxed. We have, of course, been talking about football and things like that, but we also try to relax a little bit and talk about other things," he said.
The Black Queens are seeking a positive result against Mali to boost their chances of progressing from Group D after an inconsistent start to their WAFCON campaign.
Björkegren's comments suggest the technical team is prioritising the players' mental well-being alongside tactical preparations, with the aim of ensuring the squad takes to the field composed and confident for one of its most important matches of the tournament.
The Black Queens began their campaign on a positive note, securing a 2-0 victory over tournament debutants Cape Verde before suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in their second Group D fixture.
A win against Mali would guarantee Ghana a place in the WAFCON quarter-finals and keep their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup on track.
With their tournament future at stake, the Black Queens will be counting on their experience, composure and tactical discipline to deliver a strong performance when they take to the pitch today.
