Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Björkegren has struck a careful balance between realism and ambition as Ghana prepares for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), set to run from March 17 to April 3 in Morocco.

Following the official draw in Rabat, Ghana were placed in Group D alongside Cameroun, Mali and Cape Verde—a pool the Swedish tactician admits will be highly demanding. With the tournament now expanded to 16 teams and offering not just silverware and prize money but also Women’s World Cup qualification, Björkegren is clear about the stakes.

“It’s going to be a tough group for sure,” he admitted, noting the blend of experience, familiarity and ambition among Ghana’s opponents.

Cameroun, in particular, has caught the coach’s attention. “I watched the Cameroun squad the other day, and I was a little bit surprised,” Björkegren said. “I didn’t realise one of the players was Cameroonian. It’s an amazing squad.” He also acknowledged Mali as a known threat, having faced them in the previous edition, while cautioning against underestimating Cape Verde, who arrive as eager debutants.

With the group confirmed, preparations are already underway. “From now on, we can start planning and make the best possible preparation to achieve a good result,” the coach stated.

Ghana’s objectives are clear and ambitious. “For me, and I think for all of us, the clear target is to make the top four and qualify for the World Cup,” Björkegren explained. “That’s very important. If we make the top four, then we can push for the gold.”

Confidence within the camp is buoyed by recent progress. At the 2025 WAFCON, the Black Queens finished third after edging South Africa 4-3 on penalties, marking a strong return to the continental elite. Even a recent 2-0 loss to European champions England has been viewed positively, underlining Ghana’s growing competitiveness against top opposition.

With a strengthening squad, growing experience, and momentum from recent tournaments, the Black Queens head into Morocco targeting at least another semi-final appearance—and potentially their first-ever WAFCON title.

The 2026 WAFCON, featuring heavyweights such as hosts Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa and Zambia, promises to be one of the most competitive editions yet, with automatic qualification to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup awaiting the top four finishers.