I do not feel pressure ahead of Côte d’Ivoire clash – Ghana coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren

Black Queens coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren says he feels no pressure ahead of Ghana’s crucial WAFCON play-in clash with Côte d’Ivoire as he seeks to keep the team’s hopes of reaching the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup alive.

Ghana face Côte d’Ivoire on Thursday, August 13, in Rabat, with victory securing a place in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Play-Off Tournament.

The Black Queens were forced into the play-in after suffering a 2-1 quarterfinal defeat to WAFCON debutants Malawi on Sunday.

Ghana took an early lead through Cynthia Boakye-Hlorkah, but Temwa Chawinga equalised before Rose Kadzere scored Malawi’s winner in the 79th minute.

The defeat ended Ghana’s hopes of automatic World Cup qualification through the tournament’s semi-finals, leaving the Black Queens needing to navigate the play-in route.

Bjorkegren, however, insists the pressure associated with the high-stakes encounter will not affect his decision-making.

“I do not feel pressure because if I feel pressure, I can’t make the right decisions.”

The Swedish coach pointed to his extensive experience in football as another reason for his calm approach ahead of the decisive encounter.

“I have been in this game for 20 years as a coach and 10 years as a player; that is my whole life.”

Ghana must beat Côte d’Ivoire to progress to the FIFA Play-Off Tournament, where two African teams will earn another opportunity to qualify for Brazil 2027.