When Kim Lars Bjorkegren accepted the role as head coach of the Black Queens in January 2025, he stepped into shoes carefully laced by his predecessor, Swiss tactician Nora Häuptle.
Known for redefining the identity and tactical structure of the team, Nora had become synonymous with a rejuvenated Black Queens setup. Having led them to qualify for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), her sudden departure left a void that rattled the team’s foundation. A new chapter had to begin.
Though many anticipated the return of local coach Yusif Basigi from Simba Queens, Ghana opted once again for a foreign head. The announcement of Kim Lars Bjorkegren a tall, tattooed Swede with experience at Racing Louisville but no prior coaching history in Africa sparked curiosity and skepticism. Could he maintain Nora’s Vision Volta legacy? Would his philosophy suit the Ghanaian side? Would the players respond well? As the team’s return to WAFCON neared, these questions intensified.
In an interview with 3Sports, Kim explained his decision to take the job. “There were many factors, including finding something suitable for my family. But even more importantly, I saw great potential here.”
His early matches, however, failed to inspire confidence. A narrow 1-0 loss to Morocco, a win and loss against Senegal. Fans saw little of the flair and fluidity that characterized Nora’s reign. Meanwhile, Nora was thriving in her new role in Zambia, drawing even more unfavorable comparisons.
Doubts deepened after a draw with Côte d’Ivoire a team many Ghanaians dismissed due to a lack of historical success in women’s football. But few realized that the Ivorians were now under the command of Pedro Reynalds, a two-time UEFA Women’s Champions League winner and 2022 WAFCON silver medalist.
With WAFCON approaching, Ghana drawn in a tough Group C alongside reigning champions South Africa, 2025 CECAFA winners Tanzania, and Mali. Preparations included friendlies against Benin, Malawi, and Nigeria, where the Queens recorded two wins and a loss.
A disappointing opening loss to South Africa was seen as a potential knockout blow for Kim, as comparisons with Nora intensified even specially with her Zambia side already boasting four points from two games. A 1-1 draw against Mali bought some time, but pressure mounted.
Despite the criticism, Kim and his players rallied to secure second place in the group, setting up a quarter-final showdown with Algeria. Meanwhile, Zambia had suffered a heavy loss to Nigeria, shifting the spotlight back to Kim.
In that crucial quarter-final, the Black Queens displayed grit, tactical discipline, and resilience. With goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan pulling off two crucial penalty saves, Ghana secured a famous win. That performance shifted public perception. Kim Lars Bjorkegren, once doubted, was now being praised and embraced by Ghanaians.
Regardless of whether the team goes on to lift the trophy, Kim has already achieved something significant ending the constant comparisons with Nora and earning recognition in his own right.
Source: 3SPORTS
