WAFCON 2026: Black Queens feeling ‘no pressure’ ahead of decisive Mali showdown

Ghana head coach Kim Lars Björkegren says the Black Queens are embracing the challenge of their decisive Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Group D match against Mali and insists there is “no pressure” on his side despite qualification hanging in the balance.

The Black Queens go into Wednesday’s final group match knowing a positive result could secure a place in the quarter-finals.

Speaking before the game, the Swedish coach said his players remained calm and confident despite the importance of the occasion.

“I feel no pressure at all, not for a single second,” Kim Lars said.

“The players look pretty relaxed. We work on our tactics, but we also try to relax a little and talk about other things. That helps the team.”

Kim Lars said every match at a major tournament carries significance and that his team are focused solely on taking their opportunity against Mali.

“Every game in a tournament is a must-win game,” he said. “Friendly matches are where you can try different things, but in tournaments you have to compete and enjoy the moment.”

The coach also believes Ghana have moved on from previous results in the competition, including their defeat by Cameroon, and have instead focused on improving ahead of the decisive encounter.

“That game has passed,” he said. “We’ve looked at it together, learned from it and now we’re fully focused on the next challenge.”

While acknowledging that the psychological side of knockout qualification battles can be important, Kim Lars believes each match presents a fresh test.

“Football is always different,” he said. “Teams change and develop, so we have to be ready for what comes tomorrow.”

Although Ghana know that a draw may be enough to progress depending on other results, Kim Lars says his side’s mindset will not change.

“We just need to encourage the players to take the opportunity,” he said.

The Black Queens face Mali knowing a place in the WAFCON quarter-finals is within reach, with Kim Lars backing his side to rise to the occasion.