Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Björkegren has described Ghana’s 1-1 draw with Mali as the team’s best performance of the ongoing 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Ghana secured a place in the quarterfinals after earning the point they needed in their final Group D fixture at the Moulay Rashid Stadium in Casablanca.
Evelyn Badu put the Black Queens ahead before half-time, but Mali fought back through Diabate to level the score and set up a tense finish.
Despite the late pressure from their opponents, Björkegren was pleased with Ghana’s overall performance and felt his side should have won by a comfortable margin.
“The game is the best that we have played. The only thing I can be disappointed over is the fact that we were nervous in the end. We should have closed this game way earlier,” Björkegren said.
The Swedish coach highlighted Ghana’s dominance in front of goal, pointing to the team’s expected goals (xG) advantage.
“We’re having an xG of 3.3 against almost 0.6. It’s a normal game that you win 3-0 or something like that. But in the end, you need to not be nervous,” he added.
Björkegren was particularly impressed with Ghana’s first-half display, describing it as their best opening 45 minutes of the tournament.
“I think we were ready from the start today. The first half, like I said, this is probably the best one we have played,” he said.
The draw was enough to send Ghana into the quarterfinals, where they will face Malawi.
The Black Queens are now just one victory away from securing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, adding even greater importance to their next match.
“Because this quarterfinal is only one game from the World Cup,” Björkegren stressed.
Ghana will therefore enter the quarterfinal clash with both WAFCON glory and World Cup qualification within reach.
