As Ghana’s Black Queens gear up for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren is making a bold call for his players to step into more competitive leagues to raise the team’s overall standard.

In an interview with CAFOnline.com, the Swedish coach, who took charge earlier this year after replacing Nora Hauptle, revealed that one of his key long-term goals is to ensure Ghana’s top talents gain experience in stronger football environments.

“One of our long-term goals is to get our top players competing in stronger leagues,” Bjorkegren said, underlining the need for international exposure to enhance the Black Queens’ chances on the continental stage.

Despite Ghana’s impressive WAFCON legacy — with three final appearances in 1998, 2002, and 2006 — the coach admits the team isn’t among the favourites this year.

“Ghana hasn’t won the title, and the last final was in 2006. So we’re not among the favorites. But I believe we can be a strong underdog,” he stated.

Bjorkegren also acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead, stressing the need for improved tactical organisation and fitness. “We still have work to do, both on and off the pitch. Tactically, we need to be more organized, and fitness levels must improve. We’ve had very limited training sessions so far, but with every camp, we grow stronger.”

With WAFCON 2024 set to begin on July 5 in Morocco, the Black Queens are hoping their return to the continental stage — and a renewed focus on player development — will spark a historic campaign and bring them closer to a long-awaited first title.