By: Kwame Bediako
Ghanaian midfield sensation Stella Nyamekye has earned a spot on the prestigious ten-woman shortlist for the 2025 CAF Women’s Young Player of the Year award.
The 20-year-old was recognized for her outstanding performances with the Black Queens at this year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) held in Morocco.
Stella played a pivotal role as the Black Queens reached the semi-finals of the tournament. She scored a crucial goal and provided an assist during her four appearances, including a goal in the high-stakes semi-final against host nation Morocco.
Though Ghana narrowly lost in a penalty shootout, Stella ’s contributions left a lasting impression on fans and critics.
Currently with USL Super League side Fort Lauderdale United FC, Nyamekye faces strong competition in the awards race.
Other nominees include Al Ahly’s Habiba Essam from Egypt, Zambia’s Mercy Chipasula and Ruth Mukoma, as well as Morocco’s Doha El Madani. The shortlist also features Tanzania’s Ester Maseke Marwa and Winfrida Gerald, Nigeria’s Shakirat Moshood, Senegal’s Anji Ndiaye, and Egypt’s Habiba Sabry.
CAF has yet to announce the final shortlist and the official date for the awards ceremony, keeping fans eagerly awaiting the outcome. Nyamekye, meanwhile, is focusing on upcoming national duties and will return to Ghana next week to rejoin the Black Queens for preparations ahead of their WAFCON qualifier fixture against Egypt.
