Sports
Mercy Tagoe’s tapestry of triumph: Weaving dreams in red, gold, green
Mercy Tagoe’s ultimate goal is to use her influence to propel women’s football into the global spotlight.
And, why not? The Ghanaian football legend has what it takes, having gathered enviable experience throughout a distinguished career in the game.
Her story as a celebrated coach is one of unwavering commitment to elevate women’s football not only in Ghana but across the continent.
And it all began on the pitch.
“During my time, it was African Women’s Championship. I remember when we first qualified to Abeokuta, for the maiden edition. Seeing myself in the red, gold, green, black star was a delight for me,” Tagoe recalled of her playing days.
“It was a memorable day because growing up, it was my prayer that one day, I would don the colors of Ghana. It didn’t matter where exactly I would find myself – just donning the colors was something I was seriously looked up to. And when you start wearing the red, gold, green, you become an ambassador for the nation,” she continued.
The realisation of responsibility didn’t come until she stood among her teammates in national colours.
“Honestly, before I entered into the national team, I mistakenly saw it to be ordinary until I got there. I realised that you have such a big responsibility on your shoulders. Until you get in there, you will never know.”
Though Ghana has come close to the title on several occasions in the Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Tagoe admits the failure to win the title still stings.
“Winning the trophy is the ultimate. So, if you are not able to win the trophy, trust me, it hurts a lot. It’s like your ambition has been defeated. But gradually, I believe that with good preparation and time, we’ll get there.”
Beyond the field, Tagoe’s trajectory has opened doors and transformed her life. Her status as a national icon has given her access to high echelon environments, which has enabled her join an elite community.
“As a legend, the positive aspect is that you enter places without difficulties. People know you, greet you, and give you that much respect because of what you’ve done for your country,” she says.
“It has earned me CAF assignments; numerous ones in fact. I travel without paying tickets. I live in luxurious hotels without paying a dime. I meet people in high places, make friends with people I wouldn’t have ordinarily been friends with. So, in a nutshell, it has molded my life. You need to be disciplined. You need to know how to relate to people.”
These privileges, she admits, have empowered her voice and enriched her understanding of the world.
“I’ve learned different cultures and values here and there, and I’ve added them to mine. It has shaped my life. Football has really advanced, especially women’s football, which has empowered us. Now women can talk; women can stand in front of people and express themselves, no matter where they find themselves.”
Having worn the Black Queens jersey as a player and later led the team from the touchline, Mercy Tagoe-Quarcoo knows better than most what it takes to build a winning national side. With Ghana’s qualification for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, she’s more than just hopeful she’s confident.
“I’m very positive. Like I said, now we know every player in the Black Queens is a professional. And when you are a professional in your teams in Europe, and you are playing every now and then, it keeps you in shape. And whenever they come to Ghana to play, you see the professionalism in them. I believe that as we’ve qualified to Morocco 2025, we are going there to make an impact. I will not take anything away from them. Going in there, I will not be surprised if they bring the Cup.
What they are doing is positive. And I thank God that we’ve gotten to that level. Every Ghanaian wants to see Black Queens winning the Cup. I’m a Ghanaian. I wish we won the Cup. And I believe in these girls that we have assembled. Thank God, almost every player on the field is being tapped by me. I mean, I selected them, and they’ve added a few professional players to them. And I believe what they are doing, trust me, they would make Ghana proud very soon.”
Tagoe is especially proud of the strides women’s football is making at FIFA, CAF, and national federation levels.
“Women’s football has really come of age and I thank God that FIFA is really pushing hard. CAF is also pushing very hard. All the MAs (Member Associations) are also pushing very hard,” she indicated. “Look at what [the Ghana Football Association] is doing for women’s football it’s unprecedented.”
“And, given what South Africa did at the World Cup, and where Morocco and Nigeria got to; just a little push from our various MAs and CAF and I believe the World Cup will come to Africa very soon.”
In recent years, the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has undergone a remarkable transformation, one that’s winning praise not only from fans and players, but also from those working behind the scenes.
For someone who has been deeply involved in the technical development of the game across the continent, this evolution is both refreshing and inspiring.
“I think I’ll give CAF thumbs up and kudos. They are really doing something positive. CAF wasn’t like this. And looking at what CAF is doing, trust me, the sky is our limit. I’ll continue to urge my department, headed by Raul Chipenda and Meskerem Goshime.
“They are doing something very positive and I’ll encourage them to do more. Tournament upon tournament, I’m a member of technical study group.
“And nurturing me and others, including big ones like Jackie Shipanga, Clementine Toure, Shilene Booysen, and Madam Fran Hilton-Smith. I believe CAF is doing something positive. And I’ll urge them to continue. We will get there. We will beat the world and CAF will be applauded,” Mercy Tagoe said.
Mercy Tagoe’s legacy continues to echo far beyond Ghana’s borders. Her journey is not just about past achievements; it’s a living blueprint for the future of African women’s football.-CAF
Sports
Black Starlets arrives in Morocco on U-17 AFCON mission …FA boss charges team to make Ghana proud
The Black Starlets, the national U-17 male team, have safely arrived in Casablanca ahead of the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The team departed Accra on Wednesday, travelling with a 35-man contingent made up of 21 players and 14 officials, all focused on delivering a strong campaign on the continental stage.
They completed a smooth five-hour flight to Morocco, where final preparations will continue before the tournament kicks off.
The technical team is expected to fine-tune tactics and build cohesion among the squad as they gear up for the competition.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Mr Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, was present at the Accra International Airport to bid farewell to the team.
Speaking during a brief farewell at the Airport, the FA President urged the team to carry a ‘never say die’ spirit into the competition.
President Simeon-Okraku emphasised the importance of mental strength and unity, particularly in difficult moments during matches. His message was inspired by the team’s recent friendly encounters against Cote d’Ivoire, where they bounced back strongly after an initial defeat.
“I’m very happy that when you lost to Cote d’Ivoire in your first game during your friendly matches, you were able to bounce back—not only to dominate but to outscore them in the second game,” he said. “I read a lot of meaning into that, and I want all of you to keep that in your heads—that, it’s not over until it’s all over,” he added.
The FA president stressed that the ability to respond positively to setbacks would be crucial in a tournament as competitive as the AFCON.
He encouraged the players to stay united and support one another when the pressure intensifies on the continental stage.
“When the chips are down, that’s when we need to hold each other together,” Okraku added. “So go out there and make Ghana proud.”
Ghana will compete in Group D alongside Algeria, Senegal, and South Africa, with their opening match scheduled for Thursday, May 14.
Twenty-three (23) players have been called up for this month’s international friendly against Mexico.
The squad is composed of star players from the domestic league and European leagues who are closely monitored by Coach Carlos Queiroz, as well as U-23 players who will soon represent Ghana in the upcoming Olympic Games qualifiers.
Notable names include Majeed Ashimeru, Felix Afena-Gyan, Razak Simpson, and Birmingham City’s Ibrahim Osman.
Ashimeru returns to action after a long spell on the sidelines due to a muscle injury that limited his appearances at both club and national level.
Also in the team is Felix Afena-Gyan, whose last appearance for Ghana was in May last year when he featured against Trinidad and Tobago in the Unity Cup in London.
Barcelona B’s Abdul Aziz Issah, Ebenezer Annan of AS Saint-Étienne, Ibrahim Osman of Birmingham City, and Paul Reverson of Ajax FC have also been included in the squad.
Midfielder Salim Adams, one of the key players for Ghana Premier League leaders Medeama SC, leads the group of home-based players.
Others are Heart of Lions’ Ebenezer Abban, Ebenezer Adade of Dreams FC, and Nations FC captain Razak Simpson. Ghana will travel to Mexico for the international friendly on Friday, May 22, 2026.
