Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren has commended his players for their spirited performance at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), despite falling short of the final. Ghana’s dream of clinching their first-ever WAFCON title came to an end after a dramatic semi-final clash against host nation Morocco, which ended 1-1 after extra time and concluded with a 4-2 penalty shootout loss.
The defeat dashed the Black Queens’ hopes of making their first WAFCON final since 2006 and securing that elusive maiden title. However, Bjorkegren remained upbeat, describing the team’s journey as a remarkable accomplishment in light of pre-tournament expectations.
“If you’re looking at the expectation from most people, especially outside Ghana, no one was really talking about Ghana as a team that could play in the final,” the Swedish tactician noted.
The Black Queens’ recent WAFCON history supports his point. Ghana has only reached the playoff stage once in the past 19 years, highlighting just how significant their 2024 performance has been.
“We’ve only been in the playoffs one time, I think in 19 years or something like that. So what we are doing right now in this tournament is actually really good. We need to remember that as well.”
Bjorkegren emphasized the importance of acknowledging the progress made by the team, especially after years of underwhelming campaigns. Under his leadership, the Black Queens have shown a new level of grit, organization, and tactical awareness, earning respect on the continental stage.
Now, with a place in the final out of reach, Ghana will set their sights on the bronze medal match. The Black Queens are scheduled to face defending champions South Africa on Friday, with the aim of securing a third-place finish and what would be their fourth bronze medal in WAFCON history.
Despite the heartbreak, Ghana’s performance in WAFCON 2024 signals a new era for the Black Queens, a team that has not only defied the odds but also reignited belief in the future of women’s football in the country.
