Sports
Post Match Presser: Every word from Coach Otto Addo after Mali victory
Our head coach Otto Addo had plenty to smile about after his side delivered a stunning win on the road in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Mali on Thursday.
We came from behind to record a dramatic 2-1 victory over the Eagles of Mali and also recorded our 1st competitive win in 2024. After the game the boss was asked about the performance, nerves, the state of mind going into the next game and playing in an unusual temperature in Bamako.
Here’s a full transcript of the post-match presser:
On problems in the early stages of the game
I think we had big problems in the first twenty minutes. Mali made good pressing; we had difficulties to stand firm and allowed them to make chances. After that the tempo of the game went down, we controlled the game until they scored. It was a little bit unnecessary to go down (0-1). It was a lucky goal but in the second half we came back stronger, we deserve to get the equalizer we had some good crosses and some good chances which didn’t go in but later we scored. After the goal, Mali made some changes; we had some difficulties and so we also had to make some changes and this is very, very important for the team to understand that this is a team. Not only the first 11 decides the game, also those on the bench and Fatawu did it. Good job in pressing, winning the ball, Jordan was there and he scored. In the end he was a little bit lucky to score but I think in all well deserved.
On playing in an unusual weather condition
We played good under this circumstances, 42 degrees, is very, very hot for us but I think we did well to finish this game as winners.
On-going into the game with a winning mentality
We had a win in our mind but I wanted to get to the game and have a feel first. For me it was very difficult to play a fully attacking game because Mali is a good team and it’s very, very hot here. So I have to see how the game will go and decide either to put more offensive players or defensive players. So in the end, we made changes by bringing on more offensive players and they scored for us.
On fighting spirit
I think we had a very good fighting spirit but this game was at the edge, it was 50/50. I think Mali had some good chances; they have a very good team. I don’t think it’s fair for the fans to boo the players to be honest because this game was even. And at the end our substitutes made the difference, we scored and we are happy. But we had a very good fighting spirit that is true.
On keeping the three back system
Every game has different demands. For this game, I chose this system but in the next game, maybe I will chose something else don’t know yet. So we will look firmly to see what we can do against Central African Republic. To be honest, it’s going to be tougher because now everybody expects us to win and it’s going to be difficult just like today. These games are on the edge. If you see all the games, they are all on the edge. Central African Republic picked a draw against Mali so we have to expect a very, very strong team against us. They won 1-0 yesterday so it’s very, very tight and it’s going to be difficult and like I said every game demands different option, different actions because Mali play different from Central African Republic. I can’t say I will play the same, maybe I will do so if I this will be the right thing but for now I don’t know.
Source: GFA COMMUNICATIONS
Sports
Black Queens get new Head Coach
Swedish Football Coach, Kim Lars Björkegren, has been appointed new Head Coach of the Senior National Female team, the Black Queens.
He replaces erstwhile Coach, Nora Hauptle, whose contract with the GFA expired at the end of December 2024.
Kim Lars Björkegren started out as a footballer and played for his community club in Ljungsbro, later featuring for Allsvenska Åtvidabergs FF (Swedish First Division club at the time).
An injury he sustained at the age of 22 put an end to his football career and he chose to pursue a career in Coaching.
In a career covering 18 years, Kim, now a UEFA License A Coach, has gained significant experience and success coaching in Sweden and other countries. Kim’s successes include his winning the Cyprus top Women’s league with Apollon Ladies as well as the Damallsvenskan (Swedish Women’s top league) with Linkopings FC. In the 2020-2021 season, he was adjudged the Coach of the season in Cyprus.
Kim holds the joint record with the renowned Sven Goran Eriksson as being the second Swedish manager to win two domestic titles in two different countries.
Kim Björkegren worked with the Finland Women’s National Team as a Scout and Analyst.
He has also coached Beijing BG Phoenix in the Chinese Super League (placing third in both the Chinese Women’s FA Cup and Super Cup in 2018) and has worked as Technical Director of Manila Digger FC of the Philippines. Kim also coached a number of male teams at various levels of the Swedish Football League system.
Most recently, Kim has been manager of Racing Louisville in the National Women’s Soccer League of the United States of America [USA].
Kim’s philosophy of football is to play possessive attacking, purposeful and entertaining football, utilizing the skills of his players in the best possible way, thus making him a flexible and adaptable Coach.
He places a lot of emphasis on discipline, team organization, hard work, teamwork, dynamism and flexibility. This philosophy merges well with Ghana’s football philosophy.
With his coaching experience in Women’s Football, coupled with a background in Education and Sports Psychology, Kim Björkegren is viewed by the GFA as the ideal choice to take over the coaching reins of the Black Queens and lead them to greater heights.
GFA COMMUNICATIONS
Sports
New Technical team announced for Black Queens
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is pleased to announce the reconstitution of the Technical team of the senior national female team, the Black Queens.
The new Head Coach of the team is Swede Kim Lars Bjorkegren as the new Head Coach. Coach Bjorkegren, a highly experienced and qualified coach, will be assisted by Coach Charles Sampson as the first Assistant Coach, while Anita Wiredu takes up the role of the second Assistant Coach.
Nassamu Yakubu has been appointed as the Goalkeepers Coach, with Enoch Jordan Daitey serving as the Athletic Coach.
The medical unit of the team will be led by Kate Boachie-Agyemang, who will be assisted by Team Nurse Asinawu Abubakari. Margaret Foli has been appointed as the team’s Physiotherapist.
Drucilia Arthur will serve as the Welfare Manager, while Patience Nana A. Quarshie and Adwoa Bayor have been appointed as Equipment Officers.
Ronnie Bergdahl, an experienced video analyst, will provide technical support to the team as the Video Analyst.
The GFA is confident that Coach Bjorkegren and his technical team will bring the necessary expertise and experience to lead the Black Queens to success in upcoming international competitions.
GFA COMMUNICATIONS
