Sports
Coach Kim Lars throws weight behind Black Queens’ AFCON ambition ahead of South Africa clash
As the Black Queens prepare to kick off their TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign, head coach Kim Lars Björkegren faced the media in Morocco on Sunday ahead our Group C opener against reigning champions South Africa on Monday.
Coach Kim Lars presser is one that echoes belief, resilience, and ambition. He made it clear that pressure is not something he allows to derail his focus.
“For me, it’s very clear: if you’re a coach at this level, pressure can’t exist. You can be a little nervous, but you have to control what you can control.” he said.
Kim emphasized the importance of leadership and trust, noting that in moments of adversity, it’s crucial for his players to believe in his vision. “As a coach, I need to show my players that they can trust me, especially in difficult situations, and I think they do.”
Ghana goes into the tournament not as one of the favorites, but Kim embraces the “dark horse” label, believing it fuels the team’s desire to surprise.
“Of course, we know we’re a bit of an underdog, but I know that we have the quality in this group to beat all the teams in this tournament.”
His excitement to lead Ghana at WAFCON is deeply rooted in a lifelong dream. Recalling his youth, Kim shared how he was once captivated by African football tournaments from his living room couch.
He said, “Since I was a young guy, lying on the sofa watching AFCON, I always thought this is a cool tournament. Now, I can be part of it, and I’m super excited.”
Preparation hasn’t been ideal, with limited training sessions leading to a heavier reliance on friendly matches. “We’ve grown a lot over the last month, physically and tactically. I think the players would agree. We’re in much better shape than we were a month ago.”
“Ghana has so much talent; it’s in the DNA. Add 5% of the Swedish mentality, and you have a team that’s not just good in Africa, but good in the world.”
When asked about the blend of youth and experience in the squad, Kim was quick to dismiss the idea that age would be a determining factor. “We won’t win or lose because of age. The best players will be on the pitch, and hopefully the best team will win.” he added
With confidence, a deep respect for African football, and a clear belief in his squad, Coach Kim Lars Björkegren and the Black Queens are heading into the tournament not just to compete but to make a statement.
The Black Queens will open their Group C campaign against reigning Champions South Africa at 16:00 GMT in Oudja on Monday, July 7, 2025.
![Mrs Georgina Quaittoo [third from right] pose with some members of the Association Photos Okai Elizabeth.](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mrs-Georgina-Quaittoo-third-from-right-pose-with-some-members-of-the-Association-Photos-Okai-Elizabeth-400x240.jpg)
![Mrs Georgina Quaittoo [third from right] pose with some members of the Association Photos Okai Elizabeth.](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mrs-Georgina-Quaittoo-third-from-right-pose-with-some-members-of-the-Association-Photos-Okai-Elizabeth-80x80.jpg)
A little over six weeks ago, everything pointed to a Medeama SC coronation as 2025/26 Ghana Premier League (GPL) champions at the end of the season.
That sounds premature, considering the fact that there were close to about 15 matches before the curtain was drawn on the competition.
However, believers of that assumption were right with that call due to Medeama’s form and doughty-character.
Medeama has been fearless this season. They have been ruthless, sharp, composed and a very formidable opposition, dealing with what their opponents throw at them.
In fact, establishing a 17-game unbeaten run speaks volumes of the quality Medeama has shown this season.
Two people have been key in this transformational story – Coach Ibrahim Tanko and playmaker, Salim Adams.
As of Week 21, Medeama SC opened a yawning seven-point gap with 43 points, leading Aduana FC, Hearts of Oak and Gold Stars, all with 36 points without any indication of slowing down.
But the story has completely changed just four matches after, with Medeama currently occupying the top spot with a slim one point.
Worse of all is the failure to record a win in their last five games in the competition, surviving at the top with unfavourable results of their closest competitors.
That winless run has seen Medeama drawn in three games against Samartex FC, Aduana FC and Swedru All Blacks, and lost to Nations FC and Hohoe United.
The nature of the defeat to Hohoe United generated controversy among those who won’t accept that a penalty miss and an erratic clearance by goalkeeper Felix Kyei that gifted the Voltarians the winning goal were genuine errors.
Their recent falters should have been pleasant opportunities for second-placed Gold Stars, and Hearts of Oak to capture reins at the top, but strangely, they suffered challenges of their own; leaving Medeama hanging at the top.
These dynamics are beginning to paint a positive picture for the competition as clubs at the top fight for more points to take pole positions, wrest with strugglers who are also battling hard for survival.
Outside of the top three, with chances of assuming the top spot if the Medeama form does not see any improvement, are Karela United and Asante Kotoko.
Despite their struggles, they have an outside chance of joining the battle at the top with nine matches to go.
At this stage of the competition, the pressure will be on Coach Ibrahim Tanko and his Medeama charges. Having ‘bottled’ a seven-point gap to a single point, it is surely theirs to lose.
Tanko, in previous interviews, has parried questions over the pressure on him and the team, but their current predicament leaves much to be desired.
The next two months would witness intense battle at both ends of the table with as many as five clubs having reason to contest for the ultimate, with about the same number set for the late drama to escape the last two slots to join Eleven Wonders, who are the surest bet for demotion.
By Andrew Nortey
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A step closer to glory awaits six Ghana Premier League (GPL) club sides and two Division One clubs as they battle for spots at the semi-finals stage of the 2025-26 MTN FA Cup this weekend at the Cape Coast Stadium and the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park in Bechem.
Dreams FC, the 2022-2023 champions, will clash with Heart of Lions in the quarter-finals at the Cape Coast Stadium tomorrow at pm.
Heart of Lions are going through a difficult spell in the league, having lost ground on their title aspirations that started brightly.
Dreams FC thrashed Lions 3-0 in the reverse fixture of the GPL game in January after losing 1-0 in the first round tie, and tomorrow’s game comes in to settle the scores between the two sides this season.
Although struggling, Lions lie two places above Dreams’ 12th position on the league log and will look to take that inspiration into the game.
The day’s other game will see two-time champions Medeama SC battle Access Bank Division One League (DOL) Zone Three side Attram De Visser at the same venue at 7pm.
The GPL leaders Medeama SC are in the chase for a double this season and will chase a win to appease their fans.
After defeating Asante Kotoko 4-2 on penalties in the Round of 16, Aduana FC will seek to account for Access Bank DOL Zone One B campaigners, Techiman Liberty Youth, today.
Aduana FC are in the hunt for a double this season as they are currently third on the GPL table, trailing leaders Medeama SC with five points.
Having been decisive in matches against Nsuatre FC, Victory Club Warriors and Real Tamale United to get this far, the best in the annals of the club’s history, coach Ezekiel Nii Yeboah of Liberty Youth would be out to cause an upset.
At the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park in Bechem tomorrow, another interesting pairing is set to play out as the all-Premier League affair between Nations FC and Berekum Chelsea takes centre stage.
By Raymond Ackumey
