2026 WAFCON: Black Queens coach Björkegren devastated after Malawi defeat
Ghana coach Kim Lars Björkegren says his side’s 2-1 defeat by Malawi at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has left him with the “worst feeling” of his 20-year coaching career.
The Black Queens appeared on course for a place in the semi-finals after taking an early lead in Rabat, but Malawi fought back to end Ghana’s hopes of reaching the last four and securing direct qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
“Maybe potentially the worst feeling I had in 20 years of coaching,” the Swedish coach said after the match.
“I’m feeling so much for this team, for Ghana. I really wanted to help them to go to the first World Cup in 20 years.”
Ghana made a bright start and took the lead in the seventh minute when Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah found the net.
But Malawi gradually grew into the game, with Temwa Chawinga restoring parity before half-time.
The pressure continued after the break and Rose Smith Kadzere completed Malawi’s comeback with the winning goal in the 79th minute.
For Björkegren, the defeat was particularly difficult because Ghana had been within touching distance of a place in the semi-finals.
“We felt that we had a good chance to do it today, but we didn’t perform well enough, even if it was a little bit of a 50-50 game,” he said.
The result means Ghana must now take the longer route if they are to end their long wait for a return to the Women’s World Cup.
“Always when you’re in the losing team, you need to face the truth, and the fact is that we lost with one goal and now it’s really painful,” Björkegren added.
Despite the disappointment, Ghana’s World Cup hopes are not over.
The Black Queens will face Côte d’Ivoire in the WAFCON play-in on Thursday, with victory sending them through to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Play-Off Tournament.
For Björkegren and his players, that match offers a chance to turn the pain of the Malawi defeat into one final push for a place on the global stage.
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