Sports
Cynthia Findiib downplays pressure ahead of encounter with South Africa
Black Queens goalkeeper, Cynthia Findiib, has expressed confidence and determination ahead of their TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Group C opener against reigning champions South Africa on Monday.
She believes that despite being underdogs, the team is focused on doing their best and making the country proud.
Findiib emphasizes that every team is capable of winning and looks forward to an exciting match. With some players participating in their first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, she’s grateful for the opportunity to represent Ghana and showcase their skills.
Here is what she told the press ahead of Monday’s clash against South Africa:
On being under pressure going into the game
You don’t have to have pressure when you are playing a game or something like that. Even though at the time you can feel the pressure, but you have to try and go through yourself as a professional player.
So I don’t think going into this game there’s going to be too much pressure on us.
On Ghana being the underdogs
Just like our coach has said, we are going into this game as underdogs, and we are trying to do our best and help our motherland. We are very, very, very happy to be here. It’s a great opportunity given to us, the players.
Some of us, this is our first time playing in Africa Cup of Nations and we are really grateful and happy to represent our motherland Ghana. And we are just trying to showcase ourselves here. So being here is an opportunity given to us and we are trying to utilise it.
On how it feels to be a first timer at the Women’s AFCON
So, we are very happy to be here actually. Thank you to CAF and thank you to Africa. I said earlier, we are going into this tournament as the underdogs. So whatever the outcome, we take it game by game. So after tomorrow’s game, we’ll move forward again. But we are here to fight, we are determined to actually take the Cup home and reclaim our glory.
On South Africa
Going into this game, we’ve not seen any team being a pushover. Every team is capable of winning their own challenge. So, I think South Africa is a good side and we will enjoy it. We are also prepared, and Ghana is a good side too. So definitely I know tomorrow’s game is going to be an enjoyable game. It is 50-50, any of the teams has a chance to win this game.
Sports
Ghana surrenders early dominance, loses to South Africa in WAFCON opener
Ghana’s Black Queens surrendered their early dominance, losing 2-0 to South Africa in the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations opener in Oudja.
Coach Kim Lars Björkgren’s starting lineup featured Cynthia Konlan Findiib in goal, with Captain Portia Boakye leading the team.
The defensive line consisted of Comfort Yeboah, Susan Ama Duah, and Anasthesia Achiaa, supported by midfielders Grace Asantewaa, Wassima Mohammed, and Alice Kusi, with Doris Boaduwaa and Evelyn Badu upfront.
The Black Queens dominated the opening 15 minutes, breaking down their opponents on the wings in search of the opening goal.
However, Doris Boaduwaa’s missed opportunities allowed South Africa to regroup.
The momentum shifted when Linda Motlhalo scored a penalty in the 30th minute, after Grace Asantewaa was judged to have fouled her opponent in the box.
Jermaine Seoposenwe doubled the lead with a composed finish just three minutes later.
Despite creating some scoring chances, Ghana’s Black Queens couldn’t capitalize, hitting the woodwork twice through Alice Kusi and Evelyn Badu.
South Africa goalkeeper Andile Dlamini made crucial saves, including one from Grace Asantewaa’s shot, to keep a clean sheet and protect the two-goal advantage.
The win puts South Africa in a strong position in Group C with three points, and two more matches to play against Tanzania and Mali. The Black Queens will need to regroup and refocus on their upcoming matches against Mali and Tanzania to stay competitive in the tournament.
Ghana will square off against Mali in their second Group C match on Friday, July 11, 2025.
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.
