The Black Queens’ recent defeat to England carried an important message of hope, according to head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren.

Admitting that “it was one of the toughest games you can play,” the coach said the encounter also “showed that we're not England yet, but we're getting closer”.

Read: 'It was a tough game', England midfielder says despite beating Ghana 2:0

He praised the resilience of the Black Queens, highlighting how they “stayed in the game for the whole game,” despite the intensity of the opposition.

Bjorkegren noted that the match offered his squad a “unique, great opportunity” to experience world-class football and understand the standards it demands.

He described himself as “super proud” of the team’s performance and their overall journey.

Coming on the back of a strong 2023 season, which included a Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) bronze medal and Olympic qualification, the friendly against England served as a challenging but valuable benchmark for the side.

“We felt really that we did it all together,” the coach remarked.

Kim Lars Bjorkegren also reflected on his experience so far as head coach of Ghana’s senior women’s national team, describing the journey as a rewarding one.

“Overall, they have been a great experience, and I'm so happy that I took the opportunity,” he stated.

Looking ahead, the coach said his focus remains on sustained progress and building on recent achievements.

“I wish that 2026 is going to be an even more successful year,” he hoped.