Ghana’s Black Queens Face Defending Champions South Africa in WAFCON Opener Today
Rabat, Morocco - 7 July, 2025 - Ghana’s Black Queens are set to face a stern test as they open their 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign against defending champions South Africa today, 7 July, at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco, with kick-off scheduled for 16:00 GMT.
The match marks Ghana’s return to the continental stage after missing the 2022 tournament, offering a chance to reassert themselves among Africa’s top women’s football teams in a highly competitive Group C.Under the guidance of Swedish coach Kim Lars Björkegren, who took charge in early 2025 following Nora Häuptle’s departure, the Black Queens have undergone intensive preparations to fine-tune their tactics and build team cohesion.
The squad played a series of international friendlies, securing a 3-1 victory over Malawi, a 4-2 win against Benin, and suffering a 3-1 defeat to Nigeria, a match that served as a critical gauge of their readiness against elite opposition.
Björkegren emphasized the value of these games in adapting to diverse playing styles, expressing confidence in his team’s ability to compete despite being labeled underdogs. “We know we’re considered underdogs, but I believe we have the quality to beat any team if we stick to our game plan,” he said, as quoted by the Ghana Football Association.
The Black Queens’ roster blends experience with emerging talent, with key players like captain Portia Boakye, midfielder Evelyn Badu, and forward Doris Boaduwaa expected to lead the charge.
Goalkeeper Cynthia Findiib, making her WAFCON debut, expressed optimism about the team’s preparation, stating, “We’re calm and ready to wear Ghana’s colours with pride.” The squad reported no injury concerns after their final training session, a positive sign as they face a South African side unbeaten in seven matches this year and buoyed by their 2022 title win over hosts Morocco.
South Africa, coached by Desiree Ellis, remain a formidable force despite the absence of star forward Thembi Kgatlana due to personal reasons. Banyana Banyana’s defensive solidity and attacking prowess, led by players like Jermaine Seoposenwe, make them favorites in Group C, which also includes Mali and Tanzania. Ghana holds a historical edge in WAFCON encounters with South Africa, having won 4-0 in 1998 and 3-0 in 2004, but the reigning champions present a tougher challenge today.
The Black Queens’ group stage journey continues with matches against Mali on 11 July and Tanzania on 14 July, both at the Berkane Stadium. The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed sides, will advance to the quarter-finals on 18 and 19 July. Ghana, three-time WAFCON finalists (1998, 2002, 2006), have yet to claim the title, losing each final to Nigeria.
Their last major successes were gold medals at the African Games in 2003 and 2015 and the WAFU Zone B title in 2018, fueling their hunger for a breakthrough.
However, recent funding challenges, including unconfirmed friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia due to budget constraints, highlight ongoing hurdles in sustaining the team’s progress.
The 2024 WAFCON, hosted by Morocco for the second consecutive time, runs from 5 to 26 July across six venues in five cities.
Morocco’s opening 2-2 draw with Zambia and Nigeria’s routine win over Tunisia have set a competitive tone for the tournament, which also serves as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
