WAFCON 2024: "Journey to qualify for Brazil 2027 starts with a win against South Africa"- Kim Lars Bjorkegren
25th July 2025
Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren says Ghana is determined to finish on a high when they face South Africa in the third-place playoff at the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The two sides meet on Friday night at 19:00 GMT at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, Morocco, with both teams aiming to end the tournament with a medal after missing out on a place in the final.
Speaking ahead of the game, Bjorkegren emphasised the importance of the match, not just for morale, but as the beginning of a bigger journey.
“The journey to qualify for the World Cup in Brazil starts now, and finishing strongly is a pivotal statement,” he said.
The next edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup will take place in Brazil in 2027, and Bjorkegren believes building momentum now is key.
“If you consistently place in the top four, you will eventually win the tournament,” he added, signalling optimism about Ghana’s future chances of lifting the WAFCON trophy.
Ghana’s semi-final exit came after a heart breaking penalty shootout loss to host nation Morocco. The Black Queens, who were making their first WAFCON appearance since 2018, have impressed with a spirited campaign.
Their opponents, Banyana Banyana, were eliminated by Nigeria in their semi-final clash. The South Africans, who are defending champions, will also be keen to salvage pride in what promises to be a fiercely contested battle for bronze.