By: Belinda Nketia
Ghana Women’s National Team head coach Kim Las Björkegren has welcomed the outcome of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final draw, saying the Black Queens’ rise to third in Africa has strengthened the team’s confidence ahead of the tournament.
Speaking after the draw on January 15 2026, the coach revealed the Ghana women national team’s improved continental ranking has elevated the team to top-seeded status. “When I came in, we were number six in Africa. Now we are number three. It makes us top-seeded,” he said.
Despite the favorable seeding, the Swedish coach cautioned that Ghana still faces a difficult challenge at the tournament. “We are going to face three really good teams, but I’m looking forward to the tournament and we will push to do better this time,” he added.
Ghana will be aiming to improve on their last WAFCON outing, where the Black Queens finished third after losing on penalties in the semifinals. The 2026 edition is expected to be highly competitive, with continental heavyweights battling for the title and qualification spots for the next FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The Black Queens are expected to begin preparations in the coming months as they target a strong showing on Africa’s biggest women’s football stage.
