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
President Simeon-Okraku hails Black Queens’ Bronze medal, reaffirms commitment to Women’s football development
President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku has expressed immense pride in the Black Queens’ historic Bronze medal win at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, emphasizing the importance of continued investment in women’s football.
Following Ghana’s third-place triumph, the 2nd Vice CAF President highlighted the impact of the GFA’s strategic initiatives, including the DNA Women’s Football Strategy.
He “From the moment we developed the strategy, launched the talent identification program, established the Academy in the North, invested in the Women’s Premier League, and boosted TV coverage, we knew we were on the right path,” he said. “Thank God for the Bronze. Our investment in women’s football is yielding results, and we’re confident about our collective future.”
President Simeon-Okraku praised the Black Queens for their resilience and determination, acknowledging that their achievement signals greater potential for Ghanaian women’s football.
“We need to let the team enjoy this moment. Although they didn’t win the ultimate trophy, their achievement speaks volumes about the huge potential in our women’s game,” he stated.
Looking ahead, he emphasized the need for sustained investment, expanded talent identification programs, and a structured pathway for player development from the U-15 level to the senior national team.
“With the right investment, more talent identification programs, and a natural progression of players, we’ll reach our desired destination,” he affirmed. “The talent in them is unbelievable.”
The Black Queens’ bronze medal marks Ghana’s first WAFCON podium finish in over two decades, reigniting hopes for a new era of dominance in African women’s football.
Sports
Black Queens receive hero’s welcome in Accra after WAFCON Bronze triumph
The Black Queens returned home to a warm and emotional welcome in Accra after securing the Bronze medal at the 2024 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
Upon arrival at Kotoka International Airport, the team was greeted with thunderous applause, chants, waving flags, and traditional drumming by fans and officials. The players, dressed in team colors and proudly displaying their bronze medals, were visibly moved by the outpouring of love and support.
The team was received by prominent officials, including CAF 2nd Vice President and GFA President Kurt Okraku, Minister for Sports and Recreation Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams, GFA Vice President Mark Addo, and other GFA executives. Captain Portia Boakye led the team, lifting the medal high to the cheers of the crowd, symbolizing the team’s hard-fought journey.
The Technical staff, led by head coach Kim Lars Björkegren, and GFA representatives joined in the celebrations. The GFA and Ministry of Sports and Recreation have praised the team’s efforts, with plans underway for an official ceremony to honor their performance and inspire future investments in Women’s football.
The Bronze medal marks a significant milestone, reflecting years of hard work, structured reforms, and renewed focus on women’s football in Ghana. It’s a testament to the team’s dedication and progress.
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