Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren has called on his players to improve their game management despite securing qualification to the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Ghana booked a place in the last eight after playing out a 1-1 draw with Mali, finishing second in Group D behind Cameroon.
The Black Queens looked in control for large spells after Evelyn Badu headed them into the lead before the break, but Mali responded in the second half through Kadidiatou Diabate, forcing Ghana to settle for a point.
Although pleased with his team’s qualification, Bjorkegren admitted the Black Queens allowed unnecessary pressure in the closing stages and believes they should have put the game beyond Mali much earlier.
“The only thing I can be disappointed about is the fact that we were nervous in the end. We should have closed this game much earlier,” the Swedish tactician said.
Bjorkegren also stressed the importance of making smarter decisions in key moments, insisting better game management will be vital as the tournament enters the knockout phase.
“I think, as coaches, you maybe want more to secure the win or the point in the end,” he added.
The Black Queens will now switch their attention to the quarter-finals, where they are set to face Malawi on Sunday, August 9, with a place in the semi-finals—and a step closer to 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification—up for grabs.