Sports
Tears for Simon as she makes Australia squad for World Cup
Kyah Simon
Kyah Simon broke down in tears at hearing she had made Australia’s squad for a FIFA Women’s World Cup they will co-host, but there was agony for Larissa Crummer, Emily Gielnik and Chloe Logarzo.
As expected, Tony Gustavsson unveiled a star-stacked final 23 for the tournament, including Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley, Alanna Kennedy, Alex Chidiac, Emily van Egmond, Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Hayley Raso and captain and go-to girl Sam Kerr.
Simon’s inclusion came as a shock. The 32-year-old hadn’t played in nine months following an ACL injury. Gustavsson explained that she got the “last spot as a game-changer.
“We are heavy on attacking talent in this country. She’s not selected based on where she is right now; she’s selected on where we expect her to be at the start of the tournament. She’s mentally strong, has a phenomenal connection with Sam and the other attackers, so she’s selected based on being a game-changer and her energy level and changing the game off the bench.”
Gustavsson selected 15 of the players Ante Milicic took to France 2019. Lydia Williams and Clare Polkinghorne will now become the first Australians to go to five global finals.
“Today is the end of a two-and-a-half-year process and the wonderful start of a thrilling new journey for the team,” Gustavsson said. “Selecting this World Cup squad has been the toughest challenge so far, but the whole coaching and support staff are all completely overjoyed for the 23 players who will represent the nation during this tournament.
“These 23 players not only exemplify what it means to be a part of the tradition of the CommBank Matildas, but also what it means to represent the 25 million Australians we know are fully behind us. They have the heart, desire and the passion for the crest, and I can’t wait to see the next part of their story.” — FIFA
The Black Starlets will intensify preparations for the upcoming 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations with a double-header of friendly matches against FC Samartex 1996 at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena, Samraboi.
The national U-17 side will first take on the youth team of Samartex on Saturday at4pm, as the technical team continues to assess player combinations and sharpen match readiness ahead of the continental tournament.
The following day, Sunday, March 15, the Starlets will return to the same venue to face the senior side of Samartex in another crucial preparatory fixture, also scheduled for 4pm.
These matches form part of a series of build-up games designed to test the squad’s depth, tactical discipline and competitive edge as they prepare for the AFCON challenge.
The Starlets have already played several friendly matches during their training programme, including encounters against True Democracy FC, Port City FC, Attram De Visser Academy, Semper Fi FC and Golden Kick FC.
The upcoming double-header is expected to provide another valuable opportunity for the technical team to fine-tune strategies and evaluate players as Ghana’s young talents continue their preparations for the 2026 U-17 AFCON.
The Football Association, in partnership with the Ghana Education Service in the Ayensuano District of the Eastern Region, is supporting the Ayensuano District Basic Schools Sports Festival, a three-day sporting event aimed at nurturing young talent and empowering students through sports and education.
The festival, scheduled to take place from March 9 to March 13, 2026, at Kofipare, will be held under the theme “Strengthening the Reset: Unleashing the Champion in You.”
The event is being organized in honour of Rev. Alexander Narh Amanya, the District Director of Education for Ayensuano, in recognition of his contribution to educational and youth development in the district.
The Women’s Football Development Unit of the GFA’s Technical Directorate views the festival as a significant platform to implement the Education Pillar of the GFA Women’s Football Strategy, which seeks to promote awareness, participation, and development opportunities for girls in football.
As part of the initiative, the GFA will engage female students through educational and empowerment sessions designed to introduce them to pathways in women’s football and encourage greater participation in the sport.
The Football Association will be represented by key officials who will provide mentorship and educational guidance to the participants.
Jennifer Amankwaa Sarpong, GFA Women’s Football Development Manager, will educate the girls on the Women’s Football Development Pathways, highlighting opportunities within the sport and potential career prospects.
Bernice Bempah, GFA Women’s Safeguarding Officer, will lead discussions on the GFA Safeguarding Code of Ethics, focusing on creating safe sporting environments and educating the girls on recognizing inappropriate behaviour, setting boundaries and confidently reporting concerns.
Patience Boadu, a public health practitioner and nurse, will facilitate sessions on girls’ health and football, covering important topics such as healthy lifestyles, hydration, menstruation, and personal hygiene.
The Ayensuano District Basic Schools Sports Festival is expected to combine sport, education and mentorship, creating an enabling environment for young girls to discover their potential both on and off the field while aligning with the broader vision of the Ghana FA to grow women’s football across the country.
