By Kwame Bediako
Black Queens Coach Lars Kim Bjorkegren has announced the final 24-woman squad ahead of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The team’s lineup features a well-balanced mix of three goalkeepers, eight defenders, seven midfielders, and six attackers, all aiming to make a strong impact in the tournament.
The squad is led by Captain Portia Boakye, a key figure known for her leadership and experience on the field. Notably, Abigail Kofi Kim has been dropped from the final list, and the team includes five home-based players, highlighting the talent emerging from local leagues.
Among the selected players, Kerrie McCarthy, Afi Amenyaku, Comfort Yeboah, Nancy Amoah, and Wasiima Mohammed are the representatives from the Ghana Women’s Premier League. These players are expected to bring energy and familiarity to the squad, which is preparing to compete in Group C.
Ghana’s opponents in the group are defending champions South Africa, Mali, and Tanzania, making the competition tough but exciting for the Black Queens. The tournament is scheduled to take place from July 5 to July 26, with Ghana aiming to leave a significant mark on home soil. The Swedish coach has called up a diverse group of players, including Kerrie McCarthy, Afi Amenyaku, and Cynthia Konlan Findib as goalkeepers.
The defenders include Ernestina Abambila, Susan Ama Duah, Josephine Bonsu, Nina Norshie, and Captain Portia Boakye, among others. The midfield options feature Nancy Amoah, Jennifer Cudjoe, and Evelyn Badu, while the forward line is strengthened by Wasiima Mohammed, Doris Boaduwaa and Princess Dankwah Marfo.
This squad combines both experienced players and emerging talents, reflecting the team’s strategic approach for the tournament. This marks the Black Queens’ return to WAFCON for the first time since 2018, signifying a renewed focus and determination to succeed at the continental level.
The team’s preparations have included friendly matches and training camps, aimed at building cohesion and form ahead of the competition. The squad’s composition and the team’s recent efforts demonstrate Ghana’s commitment to competing at a high level and making an impact in this prestigious tournament.
