Björkegren says no pressure ahead of Ghana vs Ivory Coast play-off

Ghana coach Kim Lars Björkegren has stated that he feels no pressure ahead of the Black Queens' upcoming 2027 Women's World Cup play-off against Ivory Coast. The match is scheduled to take place this Thursday in Casablanca, Morocco.

Speaking during a pre-match conference, Björkegren explained that he does not experience pressure because it can hinder his ability to make the correct decisions. He noted that his long history in football provides him with the necessary perspective to handle the situation.

The coach highlighted his extensive background in the sport, noting that he has spent 20 years working as a coach and 10 years as a player. He described football as being his entire life, which informs his calm approach to the upcoming fixture.

The Black Queens are fighting for a chance to reach the 2027 global tournament in Brazil. Their path to automatic qualification was closed after they were eliminated by Malawi in the quarter-finals of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations.

This match against their West African rivals represents a vital opportunity to stay in contention for the World Cup. The stakes are high as the outcome will determine which team moves forward in the qualification process.

The winner of the encounter against Ivory Coast will advance to the intercontinental play-offs. At that stage, the successful team will face opponents from other continents in a final attempt to secure a place at the tournament in Brazil.