Björkegren Urges Black Queens to Give Their Best Against Malawi for World Cup Ticket
Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Björkegren has called on his players to give their maximum when Ghana face Malawi in a crucial quarter-final clash at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The highly anticipated encounter, scheduled for Sunday, August 9, carries enormous significance, as victory would secure Ghana a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Björkegren is expected to demand a disciplined and determined performance from his team as they battle a Malawi side that has impressed at the tournament. The Scorchers topped Group C after recording a notable victory over defending champions Nigeria.
The Black Queens advanced to the quarter-finals after finishing second in Group D, following a 1-1 draw with Mali. Evelyn Badu gave Ghana the lead before Mali found an equaliser in the second half.
Ghana will enter the contest with confidence after defeating Malawi 4-0 in a friendly in July, although Björkegren will be aware that the knockout encounter is likely to be a completely different challenge.
The Malawians also possess a major attacking threat in sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga, who combined for five goals during the group stage.
For the Black Queens, however, the stakes could not be higher. Ghana have not featured at the FIFA Women’s World Cup since 2007, and a victory over Malawi would end a 20-year wait for a return to the global tournament.
Björkegren will therefore be hoping his players rise to the occasion, maintain their composure and deliver their best performance when it matters most.
With a World Cup ticket within reach, the Black Queens know that there is little room for mistakes.
