Sweden's women's national football team faces key World Cup qualifiers without captain Kosovare Asllani, who is reportedly out with a long-term knee injury. Rosa Kafaji, 22, is expected to take over the offensive midfield role. Kafaji, on loan from Arsenal to Brighton, said she has been ready for this opportunity for a couple of years and feels in good form.
Sweden plays Denmark in Gothenburg on Tuesday and Serbia in Stockholm next Saturday in qualifiers for the World Cup in Brazil. Denmark leads the group on goal difference. The team is reportedly in transition with several experienced players absent, including defender Nathalie Bjorn and possibly Johanna Rytting Kaneryd.
She stated she has been ready for this role for a couple of years and feels in good form.
Kafaji noted the team has many young players but said they are good enough to take on the role. She added that she and coach Tony Gustavsson have not discussed plans much yet, so it is unclear how the attack will be adjusted.
Kafaji said the team respects Denmark but feels ready and excited.
She noted that she and coach Tony Gustavsson have not discussed plans much yet, and it is unclear if she will directly replace Asllani or if tactics will change.
Kafaji described the role as big but emphasized her readiness to move forward, score goals, provide assists, and win matches.