Kim Lars Bjorkegren sees progress as Black Queens close gap on worldâ??s elite

Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren believes Ghana’s narrow defeat to England reflects the steady progress being made by his team, insisting the gap between his side and the world’s elite is gradually closing.

After a strong 2023 campaign that delivered a bronze medal at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and qualification for the Olympic Games, the friendly against the European champions served as a demanding but valuable test. Bjorkegren admitted the challenge was immense but stressed the importance of facing such opposition.

“It was one of the toughest games you can play,” the coach said. “But it showed that we are not England yet, and at the same time, we are getting closer.”

He described the match as a rare opportunity for his players to measure themselves against the highest standards in women’s football, noting that such experiences are vital for continued development.

Bjorkegren was particularly pleased with the team’s resilience and discipline throughout the contest. “We stayed in the game for the whole match,” he said, highlighting the composure and organisation shown against one of the strongest teams in the world.

The Swedish coach also expressed pride in the broader journey of the Black Queens, pointing to the unity within the squad and the strong backing they have received from supporters, especially during recent matches in Accra.

“I’m super proud of the team and how far we’ve come,” Bjorkegren added. “We felt that we did this together, the players, the staff, and the fans, as one.”

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