Björkegren says Ghana wants to send strong message in WAFCON Third place game

Ghana women’s national team head coach Kim Björkegren has explained why their third and fourth place playoff of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) against South Africa is crucial for his side heading into the future.

The Black Queens will conclude their matches in the WAFCON when they face Banyana Banyana at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco on Friday, seeking to win the bronze medal.

Speaking ahead of the game, Björkegren said: “We were very close. Today, we are refocused and determined to do our best to win the next game. We have only reached the playoffs once in 19 years. What we’re achieving now is commendable.”

Reflecting on the initial match, a 2-0 defeat against South Africa in the group stages, 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,” added Björkegren.

On what Ghana wants to achieve from the third place play off fixture, he said: “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.

“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.”