2026 WAFCON: It will be a tough game against Malawi but we are ready - Black Queens coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren
Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Björkegren has warned his players to expect a difficult battle when Ghana face Malawi in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Sunday.
Ghana will take on the Scorchers at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.
Speaking to the media on Saturday ahead of the highly anticipated encounter, the Swedish coach acknowledged the quality of the Malawian side, particularly the Chawinga sisters, Tabitha and Temwa, who he described as world-class players.
Björkegren believes their presence in attack makes Malawi a dangerous opponent and expects his team to be tested throughout the contest.
"Malawi have two players up front who are world-class [Chawinga Sisters], so it'll be tough for us," he said.
Despite his respect for Malawi’s attacking threat, the Ghana coach remains confident in the Black Queens’ progress since the start of the tournament.
He insisted that Ghana have continued to improve with each game and are ready to face the challenge posed by the Scorchers as they seek to reach the last four.
"But we also believe in ourselves, and we think we've improved since the tournament started," Bjorkegren added.
The Black Queens advanced to the quarter-finals after finishing second in Group D following a 1-1 draw with Mali in their final group match.
Sunday’s clash therefore presents Ghana with an opportunity to move one step closer to continental glory, while also securing a historic return to the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Victory over Malawi would guarantee the Black Queens qualification for the Women’s World Cup for the first time since 2007.
With so much at stake, Ghana will be hoping to combine their growing confidence with a disciplined defensive display to contain Malawi’s dangerous attacking duo.