Black Queens coach Kim Bjorkegren confident of progress despite SA defeat

By Lukman MUMIN

Head coach of the Black Queens, Kim Lars Bjorkegren, remains hopeful of advancing to the next stage of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations despite their opening-day loss to South Africa.

Ghana returned to the tournament for the first time in seven years but suffered a painful defeat after conceding two quick goals in the first half. Linda Motlhalo converted a penalty to give Banyana Banyana the lead before Jermaine Seoposenwe sealed victory six minutes later.

After the break, Ghana came close several times, twice hitting the crossbar but failed to convert their chances.

Bjorkegren was impressed with his team’s performance and believes they have what it takes to progress from Group C.

“We were the better team for the first half hour until the goal came. They scored from the penalty; it came out of nowhere. After that, we gave them the opportunity to score another one, and that is a problem. We lost a little concentration,” said Bjorkegren.

“Otherwise, I think the performance was pretty good. We knew we were playing the previous champions, and maybe it was the toughest game we could play. We did many good things. We can take those positives with us into the next two matches, and I am pretty sure we will make it to the playoffs, which is important.

“I am a little disappointed with the result but not the performance,” he added.

Ghana will next face Mali in Group C before engaging Tanzania in their final match.