By Francis Kobena Tandoh
Ghana’s senior women’s football national team, the Black Queens, is seeking to win double in the 14th edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which kicks off in Morocco over the weekend.
Football authorities and the team are seeking to improve upon the semi-final finish of the Black Queens in the last edition by chasing the title of the WAFCON, which automatically wins them one of the four slots for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup to be hosted by Brazil.
Ahead of the WAFCON, Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Simeon-Okraku has expressed confidence in the team’s ability to go further than the third-place finish at the last edition.
“I know your capabilities; you have already demonstrated your quality on the African continent during the last WAFCON. We will support you and ensure you receive the best and most adequate preparations ahead of the tournament,” said Okraku.
Kim Lars Bjorkeren, the Swedish tactician and head coach of the Ghana women’s team, appointed a year ago, is confident that the team will meet expectations in Morocco.
According to him, many of his players are in better shape today than they were some 12 months ago.
“I would say overall, many of them are in better shape this year. I believe the team is overall in a much better place now compared to one year ago. So, yeah, I’m really looking forward to starting up the WAFCON. I mean, of course, it’s pressure on me; it’s pressure on the players as well,” said Bjorkeren.
The Black Queens have played in the WAFCON thirteen times and have been finalists three times, in 1998, 2002, and 2006, but have yet to win the coveted title.
The team has, however, won bronze medals on four occasions: in 2000, 2004, 2016, and in the last edition in 2024.
The TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 is scheduled between July 26 and Aug. 16.
Ghana is paired in Group D alongside Cameroon, Mali, and Cape Verde. Enditem
Source: Ghana Eye Report
