Confederation of African Football (CAF) Head of Content and former Ghana Football Association (GFA) spokesperson Ibrahim Saani Daara has urged Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Björkegren to build on the foundations laid by his predecessor and meet the rising expectations of Ghanaians following the team’s progression to the semi-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Ghana booked their place in the last four for the first time since 2016 with a 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Algeria on Saturday, after a goalless draw in regulation time in Berkane.
Speaking to Channel One TV after the match, Saani Daara said Björkegren, who succeeded Swiss coach Nora Häuptle earlier this year, must now capitalise on the momentum and push the team closer to a historic first WAFCON title.
“Kim has not been in the position for that long, but he must also realize that if Nora lifted the team up and brought it to this level, we only expect him to take it a notch higher,” Saani said.
He acknowledged the tactical and cultural transition underway under the Swedish manager but emphasised that Häuptle’s two-year tenure had laid a solid platform for further progress.
“Nora had two years and more in the position, so that gave her the opportunity to make mistakes and correct them,” he noted. “There were also certain advantages – being a female coach, for instance – which gave her an edge in understanding the team dynamics.”
Saani added that while it may be too early to fully judge Björkegren’s tenure, the semifinal clash against host nation Morocco on Tuesday offers a significant opportunity for the coach to prove his credentials.
“The time for results is now,” he said. “Ghanaians are hopeful. The team has come far, and now the expectations are even higher.”
Ghana, who have never won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, are seeking to reach the final for the first time since 1998.
By: Pascal Amoah
