Kim Lars Björkegren expects a fiery test when the Black Queens open their campaign against a Cape Verde side making their WAFCON debut, but believes his side’s hard-won experience will make the difference.
“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 drew a clear contrast with this fixture twelve months ago, when nerves unsettled a squad largely experiencing the tournament for the first time.
“We had like 18 or 19 players who were playing their first WAFCON. Now it’s going to be the opposite. We have more experience in this group.”
Preparation has been meticulous. Staff have reviewed “all the games that have been possible for one and a half years back” on Cape Verde, but Björkegren insisted the priority remains internal.
“The most important thing is to come back to us, to play the game in our way.”
He pointed to a defensive record that has hardened over the past year — clean sheets in six to eight games, a 4-0 win over Russia, and a creditable showing against England in December — as evidence of a side with a clear identity.
“Normally that’s a key factor, to have a strong defence when you’re moving into a big tournament.”
Björkegren set out three targets for the campaign: escape the group stage, win the quarter-final to secure qualification for the next FIFA Women’s World Cup, and then push beyond last year’s bronze medal.
“We will not just be happy with the bronze medal,” he said. “We’re going to do everything to make the final and then go for the gold.”
He acknowledged the weight of Ghanaian expectation, comparing it to the mood around the Black Stars at the FIFA World Cup.
“Outside of Ghana they were the underdogs, but the expectation from the people in Ghana was to go all the way. I know it’s the same thing for us here now.”
He however tempered ambition with respect, noting six to eight rivals harbour identical dreams.
“We do it with confidence, but also with respect for our opponents.”
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