Nigeria match will be true test for Black Queens – Kim Lars Björkegren

The Black Queens’ Head Coach, Kim Lars Björkegren, has highlighted the importance of the upcoming match against Nigeria as a benchmark for the team’s progress ahead of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The Black Queens have already played two friendly matches against Malawi and Benin, which have served as an opportunity to assess the team’s current standing and identify areas for improvement.

Speaking to the GFA Communi­cations after the 4-2 win over Be­nin, Coach Kim Lars emphasised that the game against Nigeria will be a significant test for his team.

“With full respect to Malawi and Benin, Nigeria is one step up. One of the best teams in Africa with good players in almost every position. The game against Nigeria is going to be a very, very tough game.

But that’s also what we need now because we have shown that our lowest level is high enough. We know that we can score goals, and we have built a good defence, so it’s going to be fun to match up against one of the best teams,” he added.

On the victory against Benin, Coach Kim Lars emphasised the importance of establishing a win­ning mentality and attitude, as well as the team’s improvement in the front line.

“I think overall, it’s a good game with a great second half. We were struggling a little bit in the middle of the first half, but when we took control and started to play football, we were absolutely the better team.”

He also highlighted the need for team rotation, stating, “We can’t just rely on 11 players. We need to have more players that are ready to play, and I want to use as many as possible.” Kim Lars ended.

Ghana will play against Nigeria in their final pre-WAFCON test game on Sunday, June 29, before heading into the tournament.

The Black Queens had a slow start to keep their top-form hopes alive, securing a 4-2 win over Be­nin’s ‘Amazones’ in the Pre-WAF­CON friendly on Wednesday.

Coach Kim Lars rested most of his players but faced an ‘Amazones’ side that was very determined in the first half.

Nina Norshie put the Queens in front in the 4th minute, but the lead was short-lived as Benin drew level and then took the lead.

Striker Doris Boaduwaa was unlucky, missing a spot kick and hitting the post a few times before halftime.

An incredible display after the break by the Black Queens led to Alice Kusi, Susan Duah, and Chan­telle B. Hlorkah sealing the win with goals in the 55th, 70th, and 81st minutes, respectively. –Ghanafa.org

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