By: Kwame Bediako
Ghana’s Black Queens are set to play three international warm-up matches as part of their preparations for the upcoming Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) scheduled to start on July 7, 2025. These matches will serve as critical opportunities for the team to acclimate to competitive conditions, enhance team cohesion, and refine their tactical strategies ahead of the continental tournament.
The Queens will first host Malawi at the Ziaida Complex in Benslimane on June 21. This game is expected to test their ability to adapt against a disciplined and technical opposition. Four days later, the team will take on Botswana at the same venue, providing another chance to evaluate their performance against different playing styles.
These fixtures are designed to give the squad valuable experience and boost their confidence before the tournament begins.
The team’s final warm-up match will be against their arch-rivals, Nigeria’s Super Falcons, on June 29 at the Lanouria Complex. This high-stakes game is considered a must-win as it will help the Queens prepare for their first group stage match in WAFCON against South Africa, the defending champions.
Coach Bjorkegren expressed his intentions behind the challenging fixtures. “We want to test ourselves against different playing styles and team dynamics. Malawi and Botswana provide technical and disciplined opposition, while Nigeria offers the challenge of a traditional powerhouse.
These matches are crucial for the team to identify areas for improvement and build the confidence needed for the high-pressure environment of the tournament”, Kim Lars Bjorkegren stated.
The Black Queens’ participation in WAFCON will mark their campaign in Group C, where they will face South Africa, Mali, and Tanzania. Their journey begins with the match against South Africa, the reigning champions, in what promises to be a fiercely competitive tournament.
The team’s preparations through these warm-up fixtures aim to position them strongly as they pursue their first WAFCON title.
