Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Björkegren expects a stern challenge when Ghana opens its Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign today against tournament debutants Cape Verde but believes his side's experience will prove decisive.
"It's the first time for Cape Verde in the WAFCON, so they will, for sure, play with a lot of passion," Björkegren said. "We expect a tough game, but at the same time we believe in ourselves," he said in a prematch presser.
The Swedish tactician contrasted the current squad with the one that competed in the previous edition, when many players were making their WAFCON debuts.
"We had about 18 or 19 players playing in their first WAFCON. Now it's going to be the opposite. We have more experience in this group," he stated.
Björkegren revealed that his technical team has conducted extensive analysis of Cape Verde, reviewing every available match from the past 18 months. However, he stressed that Ghana's primary focus remains on executing its own style of play.
"We've watched all the games that have been possible over the last one and a half years, but the most important thing is to come back to us and play the game our way," he said.
The Black Queens coach also highlighted Ghana's improved defensive record as a key strength heading into the tournament, citing a series of clean sheets, an impressive 4-0 victory over Russia and a commendable performance against England as signs of the team's progress.
"Normally, that's a key factor—to have a strong defence when you're going into a major tournament," he noted.
Björkegren outlined three objectives for the campaign: progress from the group stage, win the quarter-final to secure qualification for the next FIFA Women's World Cup, and improve on the team's bronze-medal finish at the previous tournament.
"We will not just be happy with the bronze medal," he said. "We're going to do everything to reach the final and then go for the gold."
The coach acknowledged the high expectations of Ghanaian fans, likening them to the optimism that surrounded the Black Stars during their FIFA World Cup campaigns.
"Outside Ghana, they were the underdogs, but the expectation from the people in Ghana was for them to go all the way. I know it's the same for us now," he said.
Despite his confidence, Björkegren stressed the need for humility, noting that several other teams also have ambitions of lifting the trophy.
Ghana has been drawn in Group D alongside Cape Verde, Cameroon and Mali.
