As Ghana’s Black Queens prepare to face defending champions South Africa in their 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) opener, head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren is confident his team can rise to the occasion—even as tournament underdogs.

Returning to the continental stage for the first time since 2018, the Queens face a stern test at the Honneur Stadium today at 16:00 GMT. But the Swedish tactician believes his squad is equipped to challenge the best.

“Of course, we know we are a bit of an underdog or a dark horse,” Bjorkegren told CAF media. “We are not one of the biggest favourites to people, but I know that we have the quality in this group to beat any team in this tournament. I truly believe we have a really good chance to be successful.”

With renewed ambition and a hungry squad, Ghana hopes to make a bold statement—and Bjorkegren’s belief could be the spark the Black Queens need.