By Nadia Ntiamoah
The journey toward the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) has gathered momentum after Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Björkegren announced a 22-player squad for an important training camp during the June FIFA international window.
The camping exercise forms a key part of Ghana’s preparations for the continental showpiece, with the technical team seeking to build a strong, competitive squad capable of challenging Africa’s best women’s national teams when the tournament begins.
The latest squad announcement signals the continuation of a rebuilding process under the Swedish tactician, who has been tasked with restoring the fortunes of the Black Queens and returning them to the summit of African women’s football.
Building Toward a Major Continental Challenge
The June training camp is expected to provide the technical team with a valuable opportunity to assess player performances, strengthen tactical understanding and improve team cohesion ahead of the tournament.
Several international friendly matches are expected to be played during the camping period, allowing the coaching staff to test various combinations and evaluate both experienced campaigners and emerging talents.
The friendlies will also serve as a platform for players to stake claims for places in the final WAFCON squad while helping the team sharpen its tactical identity.
According to officials, the camp forms part of a long-term strategy aimed at ensuring the Black Queens arrive at the continental championship fully prepared and capable of competing at the highest level.
Blend of Experience and Youth
Coach Björkegren has assembled a squad that combines established national team players with promising young talents who have impressed at club and youth international levels.
The selection reflects the technical team’s commitment to creating healthy competition within the squad while gradually introducing younger players into the senior national team setup.
The approach is expected to provide the Black Queens with both immediate quality and long-term sustainability as Ghana seeks to rebuild a side capable of challenging for continental honours.
Ghana Seeking Return to Continental Elite
The Black Queens remain one of Africa’s most respected women’s national teams, having enjoyed significant success since the inception of women’s football on the continent.
Ghana qualified for three consecutive FIFA Women’s World Cups in 1999, 2003 and 2007 and has historically been among the strongest women’s football nations in Africa.
However, the team has experienced a challenging period in recent years, struggling to replicate the achievements that once made them regular contenders on the continental stage.
The Ghana Football Association has since intensified efforts to revive the women’s game through increased international exposure, developmental programmes and regular competitive engagements for the senior national team.
GFA Intensifies Preparations
The upcoming camp also highlights ongoing efforts by the Ghana Football Association to keep the Black Queens active through consistent international competition ahead of major tournaments.
Officials believe regular training camps and friendly matches will help the team improve its competitiveness while providing the coaching staff with enough time to build a cohesive unit.
With the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations drawing closer, the technical team remains focused on improving consistency, strengthening tactical discipline and ensuring the squad is fully prepared for the challenges ahead.
Players invited for the assignment are expected to report to camp in the coming days as preparations officially begin for what Ghana hopes will be a successful return to the continental spotlight.
