Ghana’s Black Queens fell 2-0 to South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in the group stage of the ongoing 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, with head coach Kim Lars Björkegren offering key insights into the defeat.
1. Loss of Concentration at Crucial Moments
Coach Kim Lars admitted that the Queens “lost concentration” during key stages of the match — a lapse that proved fatal. South Africa capitalised on one such moment to score the decisive goal, highlighting the need for better game management and mental discipline in high-pressure fixtures.
2. Failure to Convert Chances
Despite a strong start and multiple attacking moves, the Black Queens failed to take their chances. Several near misses and poor decisions in the final third meant Ghana could not find the net — a costly shortcoming against an experienced South African side.
3. Midfield Gaps and Defensive Exposure
South Africa exploited spaces between Ghana’s midfield and defence, particularly during transitions. This allowed the reigning WAFCON champions to dictate play and stretch the Ghanaian backline, creating room for their attackers to operate.
4. Tactical Discipline and Communication
While Björkegren praised his players for “doing many good things,” he noted issues with tactical discipline and on-field communication. A few breakdowns in coordination, especially during set pieces and pressing sequences, undermined the team’s overall structure.
5. Positives to Build On
Despite the defeat, Coach Kim Lars was optimistic: “We did many good things, and we will take the good things with us.” The Black Queens showed glimpses of creativity, pace, and resilience — qualities they’ll need to refine ahead of the second leg in South Africa.
