Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren has attributed his team’s 2-0 defeat to South Africa in their opening match at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations to a brief but costly lapse in focus.
Ghana made a confident start to the Group C fixture on Monday but were undone by two quick goals from the defending champions in the first half.
Linda Motlhalo converted from the spot before Jermaine Seoposenwe doubled the lead moments later, taking full advantage of a shaken Ghanaian backline.
Reflecting on the result, Bjorkegren insisted his side had been the better team early on.
“For the first 30 minutes, we were in control. The penalty came from nothing and suddenly the momentum shifted,” he said. “That second goal came too quickly, and it’s down to a drop in concentration.”
The Queens rallied in the second half, creating several openings and twice striking the woodwork. However, South Africa’s goalkeeper Andile Dlamini stood firm to preserve the clean sheet.
Despite the disappointment, Bjorkegren remained upbeat about the team’s showing.
“Overall, I think we put in a strong performance. Playing the reigning champions in your first match is probably the toughest start you can get,” the Swede noted.
Ghana will now turn their focus to a must-win clash against Mali on July 11, before rounding out their group campaign against Tanzania.
