By: Kwame Bediako
Ghana’s Black Queens suffered a 3-1 defeat against Nigeria in their final warm-up match before the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The friendly match, held in Morocco, marked their ninth preparatory game as they aim to make a strong return to the continental tournament after missing out since 2018. Nigeria, known as Africa’s most successful women’s team, dominated the game and highlighted the gap between the two sides, raising concerns about Ghana’s readiness for the upcoming competition.
The match showcased Nigeria’s strength, as they controlled much of the game and ultimately secured the victory. The Black Queens’ performance has prompted head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren to reflect on their preparations and address areas needing improvement. With Ghana drawn into a challenging group, including defending champions South Africa, Mali and Tanzania, the team faces a tough road ahead in their quest for a first-ever Women’s AFCON title.
Ghana’s preparations for WAFCON have been inconsistent, with some positive results and notable setbacks. The team recorded back-to-back wins over Malawi and Benin, but also suffered defeats to Morocco and Nigeria. Their only win against a qualified opponent so far remains a victory over Senegal, which raises questions about their ability to compete against Africa’s top teams.
The upcoming tournament will test whether the Black Queens can bridge the gap and deliver a competitive performance. Ghana will open their WAFCON campaign against defending champions South Africa on July 7, followed by matches against Mali and Tanzania in Group C. The Black Queens know they need to elevate their game if they hope to advance beyond the group stage and make a meaningful impact in the tournament.
