by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 26, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
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.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 26, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren has admitted that his team is still developing, but believes they can cause a stir at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which kicks off in Morocco on July 5.
In an interview with CAFOnline.com, the Swedish tactician, who took over from Nora Hauptle earlier this year, was candid about Ghana’s status going into the tournament. “Ghana hasn’t won the title, and the last final was in 2006, so we’re not among the favourites,” he acknowledged. “But I believe we can be a strong underdog. If we stick to the game plan and have a good day, we can beat any team.”
Bjorkegren emphasized that while the team is excited to return to the continental stage, there is still plenty of work to be done to reach peak performance. “We still have work to do, both on and off the pitch,” he said. “Tactically, we need to be more organised, and our fitness levels must improve.”
The coach also spoke of a broader vision beyond the tournament—helping Ghanaian players secure opportunities in top international leagues.
Despite limited time to prepare, Bjorkegren remains optimistic that each training camp will strengthen the squad as they aim to leave a mark in their 13th WAFCON appearance.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 26, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Asante Kotoko winger Bernard Somuah says his loan stint with Spanish side Celta Vigo has significantly sharpened his skills, particularly his finishing, after overcoming early setbacks in Europe.
The 19-year-old joined RC Celta Fortuna — the reserve team of La Liga outfit Celta Vigo — in August 2024. Speaking to AKSC Media, Somuah opened up about the challenges he faced upon arrival, including limited playing time and an untimely injury. However, through determination and hard work, the young Ghanaian began to find his rhythm.
“Transitioning from Ghana to Spain was tough. The environment, the players, even the facilities — everything was new to me,” Somuah revealed. “I struggled at first with minutes on the pitch and picked up an injury, which made things worse. But I pushed myself daily in training and gradually improved, and that reflected in my matches too. My coach was very pleased.”
Somuah noted that his finishing, pace, and aerial ability have all improved thanks to the exposure and training in Spain. He now hopes to stay injury-free and continue progressing, with the ultimate goal of earning a call-up to Celta Vigo’s first team.
“I’ve grown as a player, but I know there’s still more work to do,” he added.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 26, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
After a six-year absence, Ghana’s Black Queens are set to return to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) — and deputy captain Jennifer Cudjoe says the team couldn’t be more thrilled.
Ghana last featured in the tournament as hosts in 2018 but failed to qualify for the subsequent editions. Now, with WAFCON 2024 on the horizon in Morocco, the Black Queens are brimming with excitement and renewed purpose.
“Missing out on WAFCON for a couple of years was tough, but returning now brings us great joy,” Cudjoe shared during a CAF webinar. “This edition will be a different kind of challenge, and we’re ready for it.”
The U.S.-based midfielder, a standout performer during the qualifiers under former coach Nora Hauptle, emphasized that the team isn’t just aiming to participate — they’re out to make a statement.
“We plan to enjoy every moment of it. South Africa and the other teams in our group are tough, but we’re prepared,” she noted.
For Cudjoe, WAFCON 2024 represents more than a tournament — it’s a declaration of Ghana’s resurgence in women’s football.
“It’s on us now to give our best and remind everyone that Ghana is back — and here to stay!”
The Black Queens will kick off their WAFCON journey on July 5, determined to make their mark.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 26, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana midfielder and Black Queens deputy captain Jennifer Cudjoe has expressed the team’s readiness to battle tough opponents at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) as they return to the prestigious tournament after a six-year absence.
Speaking during a CAF webinar ahead of the competition, Cudjoe acknowledged the high level of competition expected in Morocco but maintained that the team is fully prepared and motivated to make a strong impact.
“Missing out on WAFCON for a couple of years was difficult, but returning now fills us with pride and purpose,” said the U.S.-based midfielder, who played a crucial role during Ghana’s qualification campaign. “This tournament presents a different kind of challenge, but we’re prepared for our tough opponents.”
Cudjoe highlighted reigning champions South Africa as one of the teams to watch, noting their consistent performances in recent years. “They’ve been a strong and consistent side, just like other top teams, so it’ll be a great test to face them,” she added.
With the tournament set to begin on July 5 in Morocco, the 31-year-old is confident Ghana can use this opportunity to reestablish their presence in African women’s football.
“It’s our moment to show what we’re made of and remind everyone that Ghana is back — and here to stay!”
