BY NADIA NTIAMOAH
Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Björkegren has named the final 25-player squad for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, assembling a blend of established internationals and emerging talents for a tournament that will also determine qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The Swedish coach will lead Ghana into the continental championship with renewed expectations following the Black Queens’ bronze-medal finish under his leadership, as the West African nation continues its push to re-establish itself among the dominant forces in African women’s football.
Björkegren has selected three goalkeepers for the tournament: FK Apolonia’s Afia Amenyeku, Samatex Ladies goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan Fiindib and Jonina Ladies’ Osman Huzeimah.
The defensive unit features Abena Anoma Opoku, Alex Tay, Anasteshia Achiaa, Benedicte Simon, Comfort Yeboah, Josephine Bonsu, Susan Amaduah and experienced captain Portia Boakye, who will again be expected to provide leadership during Ghana’s campaign.
In midfield and attack, the Black Queens will rely on several established national-team players, including Evelyn Badu, Grace Asantewaa, Jennifer Cudjoe, Princella Adubea, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, Princess Marfo, Stella Nyamekye and Alice Kusi.
Linda Owusuansah, Wasima Mohammed and Sharon Sampson have also been included, while Doris Boaduwaa adds experience to the attacking department alongside Abi Kim and Ajegipina Zakaria.
The final selection underlines Björkegren’s attempt to balance experience with youth as Ghana prepares for a difficult Group D campaign against Cameroon, Mali and Cape Verde.
The group stage will run from July 26 to August 6, with the Black Queens needing a strong start to improve their chances of reaching the knockout stage. The quarter-finals are scheduled for August 8 and 9, followed by the semi-finals on August 12.
Beyond the battle for continental honours, the tournament carries major significance because it serves as a qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. World Cup qualification playoffs are scheduled for August 13, increasing the stakes for nations attempting to secure places on the global stage.
The final will be played in Rabat on Sunday, August 16.
Ghana head into the tournament determined to build on their recent progress and finally capture a trophy that has eluded the country throughout the history of the women’s continental championship.
