Latest news with #KimLarsBjörkegren
CAF
5 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Björkegren hails Black Queens for fighting spirit
Published: Monday, 14 July 2025 Ghana controlled their destiny in a solid performance that saw them find the back of the net an impressive four times to make light work of Tanzania in a do or die matchup that ensured they booked a place to the quarterfinals of the TotalEnergies WAFCON 2024 in Morocco. A standout 18 shots at goal, nine on target and four goals saw Kim Lars Björkegren's side dance, ululate and hi-five each other at the full-time whistle in Berkane on Monday night. The Black Queens, who felt that they dominated both their games against Ghana and Mali statistically despite amassing a point from a possible six in Group C, finally smelt the coffee. Their resilience, physicality and camaraderie were exceptional on the day. 'I am just really proud of the girls. Today, we followed the game plan a little bit more. I always believed that we would win this game and make it to the quarterfinals. I understand the impact of the result. It is the knockout stages, and we continue to take it one game at a time,' Björkegren said after the 4-1 win against Tanzania. 'Ghana missed the knockout stages the last time that they played [in 2018 at home] and we have now made it past the group stages. The result is very important to us. We shall take it all in now because the players deserve this. They showed that they can stay true to our style and win.' Teamwork rules A team that works together, stays together. Throughout their two games that not only tested their character and self-belief, the Black Queens fought for each other. No single time did a player attack another for a misplaced pass or a tackle that led to a goal or a warning or booking from the referee. They stood together in good and in bad. It is this spirit that had Björkegren in high spirits at the halftime break when the score stood at 1-1 because he anticipated that his side would raise the tempo when the second half began. Star player Evelyn Badu, who started the first two games, came off the bench after Princella Abudea and Princess Marfo were given the nod to start ahead of her. Her body language when she ran onto the pitch visibly showed that she was there to build on what the duo had done thus far. And it is that sisterhood that displayed the understanding of the objective for the team and the importance of the eventual result. The suspended Doris Boaduwaa was on her feet the entire game in the stands supporting her teammates and almost lost her voice. In the end what mattered was the qualification. 'We played as a team and this has been important for us on and off the pitch,' Björkegren said as a tribute to his team who will face Algeria in the WAFCON 2024 quarterfinals on July 19 at 5pm (local time) at the Berkane Stadium in the Oriental Province of Morocco.
IOL News
07-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Ghana sound Banyana Banyana warning – We're not favourites, but we can surprise everyone
Ghana Women's coach Kim Lars Björkegren believes the Black Queens have the capacity to surprise at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations this month. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix South Africa's national women's team, Banyana Banyana, will begin their quest to defend their WAFCON crown in their opening match against Ghana's Black Queens on Monday at the impressive 35 000-seater Honour Stadium in Rabat. Currently ranked 54th in the world, Banyana made history in 2022 by clinching their first Women's Africa Cup of Nations title, defeating hosts Morocco 2-1 in a dramatic final. This landmark achievement placed them among the continent's elite, alongside only Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea, the other nations to have previously claimed the title. Entering this year's tournament on a remarkable run of seven consecutive wins, Banyana are widely considered early favourites to lift the trophy once more. A solid defensive unit combined with a prolific attack led by seasoned campaigners has helped them refine a well-balanced tactical approach. Meanwhile, Ghana's Black Queens — under the guidance of Swedish coach Kim Lars Björkegren — are looking to revive past glories. On the eve of the Group C encounter, Björkegren said: 'We're not favourites, but we can surprise everyone.' The Black Queens boast a proud history in the competition, having reached the final three times — in 1998, 2002 and 2006 — only to fall short on each occasion, all against Nigeria. Björkegren, who brings nearly two decades of international coaching experience, emphasised tactical intelligence and cohesion as vital ingredients for success. 'Our depth is our strength,' he explained, noting that while the team may lack global superstars, their collective effort could be their competitive edge. He likened Ghana's approach to recent global trends, where unified teams have succeeded without relying on individual brilliance, instead thriving on togetherness and shared purpose. As the squad prepares in Morocco, a palpable sense of camaraderie is evident. Björkegren praised the harmony within the group, saying: 'That fighting spirit will carry us far.' He encouraged his players to channel their passion for the game while sharpening their skills to meet the demands of elite competition. To realise their ambitions, the Black Queens will need belief, discipline, relentless work ethic, and perhaps a bit of luck — especially in an opening fixture against the reigning champions. In addition to Ghana, Banyana Banyana will also face formidable Group C opponents in Tanzania and Mali. This year's WAFCON carries higher stakes than ever, with the prize pool doubled. The champions will not only earn continental bragging rights but also walk away with a substantial R17 million, courtesy of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The financial incentive is expected to inspire peak performances across all participating nations. Banyana's squad is bolstered by a blend of experienced veterans and emerging stars, eager to prove themselves against Ghana — a side historically regarded as one of Africa's powerhouses in the women's game. As the tournament kicks off, all eyes will be on Rabat, where South Africa and Ghana meet in what promises to be a fiery opening to Group C.
