Ghana's head coach, Kim Lars Bjorkegren, has hailed the performance of the team in the 2-0 defeat to defending champions South Africa in their opening Group C game at the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The Black Queens fell behind after a penalty was awarded following a VAR review.

Ghana’s Grace Asantewaa was adjudged to have fouled Noxolo Cesane in the box, leading to Linda Motlhalo calmly converting from the spot just before the half-hour mark.

Shortly after, Banyana Banyana doubled their lead through a low strike from Jermaine Seoposenwe, putting Ghana on the back foot.

Speaking after the match, Bjorkegren expressed mixed feelings about the team's overall display.

"I’m really happy with the first hour of the game until the penalty came," he said.

"They scored from the penalty, it came from nowhere. After that, we gave them the opportunity to score another one, and that was the problem. When we lose concentration, we give the ball away too much. But otherwise, I think the performance was good."

Despite the setback, the Black Queens will be aiming to bounce back in their next Group C fixture against Mali, who currently sit second after beating Tanzania in the other group match.