National support for Black Queens
Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku has called on the Black Queens to demonstrate courage, pride, and determination as they commence their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign. The team is set to compete for continental honours in Morocco, with their opening match scheduled against Cape Verde.
The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, also conveyed messages of encouragement during a visit to the team’s training session in Morocco. He assured the players of the unwavering support from the government, Parliament, and the Ministry, emphasizing that the entire nation is behind them.
Mr. Adams highlighted the nation’s belief in the team’s talent and their ability to bring pride to Ghana. He urged the players to compete with courage, unity, and determination, reminding them that they carry the hopes of millions of Ghanaians whenever they play.
The Minister also challenged the Black Queens to surpass their performance from the previous WAFCON. He described the tournament as an opportunity to inspire a new generation and to add another memorable chapter to Ghana‘s football history.
“This tournament is your stage to inspire a generation. You have been here before last year and you performed. We are back to do it again and even better than last year. Go out there, compete fearlessly and show Africa the true spirit of the Black Queens,” Mr. Adams stated.
He commended the dedication shown by both the players and the technical team during their preparations, expressing confidence that their hard work would lead to a successful campaign. The Black Queens will open their Group D campaign against Cape Verde.
WAFCON campaign and aspirations
The Black Queens are set to begin their Group D campaign against tournament debutants Cape Verde on Wednesday, July 29, at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca. This match marks the beginning of Ghana’s quest for a first-ever WAFCON title, having come close in previous editions.
Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku issued a message to the players ahead of this crucial opener, calling on Ghanaians both at home and abroad to support the national team throughout the tournament. He noted that the Black Queens enter the tournament with renewed confidence and ambition, following their bronze-medal finish in the last edition.
The GFA President emphasized that the team now has an opportunity not only to contend for continental honours but also to secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and restore Ghana to a prominent position in women’s football.
“To the Black Queens, the entire nation is behind you. Play with courage, pride and determination, and go out there to make Ghana proud,” he affirmed.
Following their initial fixture against Cape Verde, Ghana will continue their Group D matches. Their second group stage game will be against Cameroon on Sunday, August 2. The team will then conclude their group stage encounters with a match against Mali on Thursday, August 6.
Having secured the bronze medal in the previous tournament, the Black Queens aim to achieve even greater success this year. Their objective is to end Ghana’s long wait for a WAFCON title and to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The team has been drawn into Group D alongside Cape Verde, Cameroon, and Mali, setting the stage for their pursuit of continental glory and a spot in the upcoming World Cup.
Source: graphic.com.gh
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