Ghana head coach Kim Björkegren says the Black Queens will remain true to their high-pressing identity when they open their 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations campaign against Cape Verde in Casablanca on Tuesday.

Speaking ahead of the Group C opener, the Swedish coach said his side arrives in Morocco physically prepared and confident after an encouraging run of results.

"We are the best high-pressing team in Africa," Björkegren told reporters, pointing to Ghana's defensive record after keeping six clean sheets in their last eight matches.

The coach said defensive discipline and the ability to create chances through different attacking patterns would be key against a Cape Verde side making its first appearance at the continental finals.

Björkegren also outlined Ghana's objectives for the tournament, with progression beyond the group stage the immediate target.

"Our first goal is to qualify from the group," he said. "The next step is winning the quarter-final, which would secure qualification for the next FIFA Women's World Cup. After that, we want to reach the final and compete for the title."

Forward Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah echoed her coach's confidence, saying the squad has developed a strong understanding during its preparations.

"We've come together well as a team," she said. "If we can impose our style of play and control the tempo, we can make opponents adapt to us rather than the other way around."

Ghana will look to draw on the experience of a squad that still includes many players from the side that claimed bronze at the previous Women's Africa Cup of Nations. Björkegren believes that continuity will help his team handle the pressure of the opening fixture.

Cape Verde, meanwhile, will be making history by appearing at the finals for the first time. Although the newcomers are expected to provide a stern test, Ghana enters the match with a strong record against tournament debutants, having never lost to a nation playing its first WAFCON finals.

Match Details

• Fixture: Ghana vs Cape Verde
• Competition: 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations – Group C
• Venue: Casablanca, Morocco
• Kick-off: 17:00 GMT

The match will be shown live in Ghana on Max TV, across Sub-Saharan Africa on SuperSport via DStv and GOtv, while international viewers can watch live on CAF TV's official YouTube channel.