Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren is confident about Ghana’s chances of qualifying for the next round of the Women’s AFCON despite suffering defeat to South Africa.

The Queens, who returned to the competition for the first time since 2018, opened their campaign on a disappointing note, falling 2-0 to Banyana Banyana.

Linda Motlhalo stepped up to net a composed penalty before South Africa quickly doubled their lead through a fine low strike from Jermaine Seoposenwe in the 33rd minute.

"We knew we were playing against the previous champions, so maybe potentially the toughest game that we can play in this tournament,” Bjorkegren said in the post-match interview.

Following the defeat, Ghana now sit bottom of Group C. However, Bjorkegren insists that qualification from the group is still possible.

"We did many good things [against South Africa], so if we take the good things with us into the next two [games], I am pretty sure we are going to make the playoffs and that is the most important.”

The Black Queens will be looking for a positive performance against Mali on July 11 before a clash with Tanzania three days later.