2026 WAFCON: Black Queens coach Björkegren warns against complacency against Mali
Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Björkegren says Ghana will approach their decisive Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Group D encounter against Mali with a must-win mentality, despite needing only a draw to reach the quarter-finals.
Ghana take on their West African rivals on Thursday knowing that avoiding defeat will be enough to secure a place in the last eight, while Mali must claim all three points to keep their tournament alive.
Although the Black Queens hold the advantage heading into the final group fixture, Björkegren has stressed there will be no room for complacency as his side target a return to the knockout stage.
“So, it’s just fun, and from now on in a tournament like this, it’s a must-win game every time you are playing. So, it’s nothing special. It’s just to grab the moment and enjoy the day.”
The Black Queens opened their campaign with a convincing 2-0 victory over Cape Verde before suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in their second group match.
That result leaves Ghana second in Group D on goal difference, behind leaders Cameroon, who have already booked their place in the quarter-finals with maximum points.
A draw or victory over Mali would be enough to send Ghana through to the knockout stage and keep alive their hopes of reaching the semi-finals, where qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil is on offer for the tournament’s final four teams.
With qualification within touching distance, Björkegren will be hoping his side can maintain their focus and deliver the performance needed to extend Ghana’s WAFCON campaign.
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