As Ghana gets ready to compete against South Africa in the third-place playoff of the 2024 WAFCON, Black Queens head coach Kim Björkegren is reflecting on his team’s impressive journey and development during the tournament.
Although they narrowly missed out on a place in the final, Björkegren takes pride in their accomplishments, especially considering the challenges faced. “We were very close,” he recounted, reflecting on the tight defeat in the semi-final. “Today, we are refocused and determined to do our best to win the next game.” Kim Lars said.
The coach highlighted the significant progress the team has made in a short period.
“We have only reached the playoffs once in 19 years. What we’re achieving now is commendable,” he remarked.
Since taking over in February, Björkegren has guided a swift transformation of a squad with many emerging talents. A significant number of the 24 players are participating in their first senior tournament, and the team’s ongoing improvement has been noticeable.
Reflecting on the initial match, a 2-0 defeat against South Africa, he asserted it was a closely fought game.
“They scored and we didn’t. But I was confident this group would develop throughout the tournament. We have been performing better.”
For Björkegren, it’s not solely about victory but also about winning with purpose and flair.
“We are attacking every opponent. We press, tackle, and shoot. I’m very pleased that we executed our game plan well because that’s the most challenging approach.”
He believes this third-place match signifies more than just earning a medal; it’s about conveying a strong message regarding Ghana’s future.
“If you consistently place in the top four, you will eventually win the tournament. The journey to qualify for the World Cup in Brazil starts now, and finishing strongly is a pivotal statement.” Kim Lars added.
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