Sports
Black Queens face off against Banyana Banyana in Group C Opener – Preview
The Black Queens return to the continental stage with high hopes after missing the 2022 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. With a rich history as three-time runners-up, Ghana is eager to make a strong comeback after a 19-year wait for a final appearance.
Coach Kim Lars Björkegren’s side is focused on executing their game plan, with the Swedish tactician emphasizing their underdog status while expressing confidence that “if we stick to the game plan and have a good day, we can beat any team.”
Ghana’s squad boasts physical resilience and fresh tactical direction under Kim Lars Björkegren. The team has shown promising form in recent friendlies, with wins over Malawi and Benin, although they suffered a 3-1 loss to Nigeria last weekend.
The two teams have played each other five times, with Ghana winning once and South Africa winning four times. Their last encounter was in 2016, where Ghana won 1-0 to secure third place in the tournament.
South Africa is ranked 54th in the world and has gone unbeaten in 7 games, with 6 wins and 1 draw. The Banyana Banyana also boasts a strong defense, conceding an average of 0.6 goals per game.
Key players: Refiloe Jane, Linda Motlhalo, and Jermaine Seoposenwe.
Ghana is ranked 66th in the world and navigated a smooth qualification series. The Black Queens have had mixed form, with 3 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw in their last 6 games. However, Ghana has won 4 of their last 5 matches, scoring an average of 3.2 goals per game.
Key players: Princess Marfo, Portia Boakye, Princella Adubea, Doris Boaduwaa, and Evelyn Badu.
This Group C contest will take place at Honneur Stadium in Oudja on Monday, July 7, 2025.
Sports
Ghana surrenders early dominance, loses to South Africa in WAFCON opener
Ghana’s Black Queens surrendered their early dominance, losing 2-0 to South Africa in the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations opener in Oudja.
Coach Kim Lars Björkgren’s starting lineup featured Cynthia Konlan Findiib in goal, with Captain Portia Boakye leading the team.
The defensive line consisted of Comfort Yeboah, Susan Ama Duah, and Anasthesia Achiaa, supported by midfielders Grace Asantewaa, Wassima Mohammed, and Alice Kusi, with Doris Boaduwaa and Evelyn Badu upfront.
The Black Queens dominated the opening 15 minutes, breaking down their opponents on the wings in search of the opening goal.
However, Doris Boaduwaa’s missed opportunities allowed South Africa to regroup.
The momentum shifted when Linda Motlhalo scored a penalty in the 30th minute, after Grace Asantewaa was judged to have fouled her opponent in the box.
Jermaine Seoposenwe doubled the lead with a composed finish just three minutes later.
Despite creating some scoring chances, Ghana’s Black Queens couldn’t capitalize, hitting the woodwork twice through Alice Kusi and Evelyn Badu.
South Africa goalkeeper Andile Dlamini made crucial saves, including one from Grace Asantewaa’s shot, to keep a clean sheet and protect the two-goal advantage.
The win puts South Africa in a strong position in Group C with three points, and two more matches to play against Tanzania and Mali. The Black Queens will need to regroup and refocus on their upcoming matches against Mali and Tanzania to stay competitive in the tournament.
Ghana will square off against Mali in their second Group C match on Friday, July 11, 2025.
Sports
Cynthia Findiib downplays pressure ahead of encounter with South Africa
Black Queens goalkeeper, Cynthia Findiib, has expressed confidence and determination ahead of their TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Group C opener against reigning champions South Africa on Monday.
She believes that despite being underdogs, the team is focused on doing their best and making the country proud.
Findiib emphasizes that every team is capable of winning and looks forward to an exciting match. With some players participating in their first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, she’s grateful for the opportunity to represent Ghana and showcase their skills.
Here is what she told the press ahead of Monday’s clash against South Africa:
On being under pressure going into the game
You don’t have to have pressure when you are playing a game or something like that. Even though at the time you can feel the pressure, but you have to try and go through yourself as a professional player.
So I don’t think going into this game there’s going to be too much pressure on us.
On Ghana being the underdogs
Just like our coach has said, we are going into this game as underdogs, and we are trying to do our best and help our motherland. We are very, very, very happy to be here. It’s a great opportunity given to us, the players.
Some of us, this is our first time playing in Africa Cup of Nations and we are really grateful and happy to represent our motherland Ghana. And we are just trying to showcase ourselves here. So being here is an opportunity given to us and we are trying to utilise it.
On how it feels to be a first timer at the Women’s AFCON
So, we are very happy to be here actually. Thank you to CAF and thank you to Africa. I said earlier, we are going into this tournament as the underdogs. So whatever the outcome, we take it game by game. So after tomorrow’s game, we’ll move forward again. But we are here to fight, we are determined to actually take the Cup home and reclaim our glory.
On South Africa
Going into this game, we’ve not seen any team being a pushover. Every team is capable of winning their own challenge. So, I think South Africa is a good side and we will enjoy it. We are also prepared, and Ghana is a good side too. So definitely I know tomorrow’s game is going to be an enjoyable game. It is 50-50, any of the teams has a chance to win this game.
