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