2026 WAFCON: We’ve learned from Cameroon defeat – Black Queens coach ahead of Mali clash

Man in gray suit speaking at a press conference, purple backdrop with sponsor logos behind him.

By Jamaldeen Wiayuka August 6, 2026

Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Björkegren believes Ghana have learned important lessons from their defeat to Cameroon and expects his side to deliver an improved performance in Thursday’s decisive Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Group D clash against Mali.

The Black Queens head into the encounter at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca knowing that a draw will be enough to secure a place in the quarter-finals, while Mali must win to keep their hopes of progressing alive.

Ghana began their campaign with a convincing 2-0 victory over Cape Verde before suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Cameroon, leaving qualification for the knockout stage to be settled on the final day of the group stage.

Speaking ahead of the crucial fixture, Björkegren admitted his side were dissatisfied with aspects of their performance against Cameroon but insisted the team has addressed those shortcomings.

“We were a little bit unhappy with the start in the previous game, even if we felt that we came back pretty well in the second half. But we have talked about it. We have learned from the game. We know that we need to play a little bit better tomorrow. I’m pretty sure that we will do that.”

The Swedish coach expressed confidence that his players will respond positively as they look to book Ghana’s place in the last eight.

A positive result against Mali would keep alive the Black Queens’ hopes of ending their long wait for continental success and move them one step closer to securing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Only the four semi-finalists at WAFCON 2026 will earn automatic qualification for the global tournament, making Thursday’s contest one of Ghana’s most significant matches in recent years.