Kofi Adams Pledges Unwavering Support for Black Queens Ahead of WAFCON

Accra, Ghana - 5 July, 2025 - Ghana’s Black Queens have received a stirring endorsement from Sports Minister Kofi Adams as they prepare to compete in the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, with the team aiming to reclaim their status as a powerhouse in African women’s football.

Drawn in a challenging Group C alongside defending champions South Africa, Mali, and Tanzania, the Black Queens, under the leadership of Swedish coach Kim Lars Björkegren, are targeting a strong performance in the tournament, which runs from 5 to 26 July 2025, to secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, a stage they last reached in 2007.

The Black Queens, three-time WAFCON runners-up in 1998, 2002, and 2006, are making their return to the continental competition after missing the 2022 edition. Their campaign begins with a daunting opener against South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, who won the title in 2022, at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda on 7 July. Subsequent matches against Mali on 11 July and Tanzania on 14 July will test the squad’s resilience in what has been dubbed the “group of death.”

Adams, in a statement issued on 30 June 2025, praised the team’s potential to inspire the nation, highlighting the growth of women’s football in Ghana.

“In recent years, women's football has become one of the brightest lights in our sporting landscape. From the Maidens to the Black Princesses, and now the Black Queens, your performances have consistently lifted the nation and reminded us of what is possible through commitment and belief. You have been bold, focused, and fearless — and for that, we salute you.”

He noted the achievements of the country’s youth teams, the Black Maidens and Black Princesses, and expressed confidence that the Black Queens could restore Ghana’s reputation as a leading force in African women’s football.

“I want to reassure you that the Government remains fully committed to supporting women’s football at every level. You have done your part, and we will continue to do ours — through investment, exposure, and the right structures to help you succeed. Your performance, your resilience, and your results have earned you that,'' he added.

The 24-player squad, announced by Björkegren on 30 June 2025, blends experience with emerging talent. Captain Portia Boakye anchors a defence that includes Ernestina Abambila and Susan Ama Duah, while midfielders Evelyn Badu, Grace Asantewaa, and Jennifer Cudjoe are expected to control the tempo. Forwards Princella Adubea, Doris Boaduwaa, and Alice Kusi provide attacking flair, with five players from the Ghana Women’s Premier League—Kerrie McCarthy, Afi Amenyaku, Comfort Yeboah, Nancy Amoah, and Wasiima Mohammed—adding local talent to the roster. The inclusion of home-based players reflects the growing strength of the domestic league, supported by initiatives like the Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League, which has bolstered grassroots development.Ghana’s preparations have not been without challenges.

A 3-1 loss to Nigeria in a pre-tournament friendly exposed defensive vulnerabilities, a concern for Björkegren, who replaced Nora Häuptle in February 2025 after her move to Zambia. The Swedish coach, who has been in charge for just five months, faces pressure to mould a cohesive unit capable of competing against Africa’s elite. Ghana’s historical dominance in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when they reached three WAFCON finals and competed in three World Cups (1999, 2003, 2007), contrasts with their recent struggles, including a seven-year absence from the tournament until this year’s qualification with a 3-2 aggregate win over Namibia.Adams, speaking at a press conference in Accra, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the team, promising resources to enhance preparations.

He urged Ghanaians to rally behind the Black Queens, emphasising their role in embodying national values of resilience and excellence. The minister also highlighted the broader goal of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with the top four teams at WAFCON securing automatic berths.

The tournament, hosted across six stadiums in five Moroccan cities, including Rabat’s Olympic Stadium and Casablanca’s Larbi Zaouli Stadium, is expected to draw significant attention, with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) reporting increased prize money and global broadcast reach following the success of the 2022 edition.