Ghana’s senior women’s national team, the Black Queens, will kick off their 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign on Monday, July 7, with a high-stakes clash against defending champions South Africa at the Honneur Stadium in Oudja, Morocco.
Returning to the continental stage after missing out on the 2022 edition, the Black Queens are determined to make a strong impression. Ghana, three-time finalists in the tournament’s history, are eyeing a long-overdue return to the final—something they last achieved in 2006.
Head coach Kim Björkegren has attempted to keep expectations modest, describing his squad as underdogs, but he remains confident in their preparation.
“We respect every opponent, but if we stick to our game plan and perform at our best, we’re capable of beating any team,” he said.
Ghana enter the tournament in promising form, having secured four wins in their last five matches. However, they suffered a 3-1 defeat to rivals Nigeria in their final warm-up fixture.
Their opponents, South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, come into the competition with strong momentum. They are unbeaten in seven games and boast one of the most disciplined defenses in African women’s football. Historically, they have had the upper hand over Ghana, winning four of the last five encounters between the two sides.
To stand a chance, Ghana will rely heavily on the experience and skill of key players like Evelyn Badu, Doris Boaduwaa, and Portia Boakye, all of whom are expected to play crucial roles in the team’s campaign.
A positive result in their opening match could significantly influence Ghana’s journey through Group C, which also features Mali and Tanzania, making every point vital in the battle for a place in the knockout stages.
