The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has officially announced the appointment of Kim Lars Björkegren as the new head coach of the senior national women’s football team, the Black Queens.
The Swedish coach succeeds Nora Häuptle, who transitioned to managing the Copper Queens of Zambia following the expiration of her initial two-year contract with the GFA. This appointment comes as the Black Queens intensify preparations for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, 14 January, the GFA described Kim Lars Björkegren as a “highly experienced and qualified coach.” He will work alongside assistant coaches Charles Sampson and Anita Wiredu. The GFA also announced the additional technical team members who will support the coaching staff:
– Goalkeepers Coach: Nassamu Yakubu
– Athletic Coach: Enoch Jordan Daitey
– Medical Team Lead: Kate Boachie-Agyemang, assisted by Team Nurse Asinawu Abubakari and Physiotherapist Margaret Foli
– Welfare Manager: Drucilia Arthur
– Equipment Officers: Patience Nana A. Quarshie and Adwoa Bayor
– Video Analyst: Ronnie Bergdahl
The GFA expressed confidence in Björkegren and the technical team, stating their expertise and experience will be instrumental in leading the Black Queens to success in upcoming international competitions.
The Black Queens have been drawn into Group C for WAFCON 2025, where they will face defending champions South Africa, Mali, and Tanzania. Group A includes the host country Morocco, Zambia, Senegal, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, while Group B includes Nigeria, Algeria, Tunisia, and Botswana. Morocco is set to host the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations from 5–26 July 2025.
Once considered Nigeria’s primary rival for supremacy on the continent, Ghana made it to three consecutive Women’s World Cups from 1999 to 2007 before suffering a terrible decline in form. With the new coaching staff in place, the Black Queens are looking to regain their competitive edge and make a strong showing in the upcoming WAFCON tournament.
