Ghana's national women's football team, the Black Queens, has named its final 25-player squad for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). Head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren made the announcement, confirming the team that will represent Ghana in the prestigious tournament held in Morocco. Two players were dropped from the provisional squad announced earlier this month, solidifying the final selection.
The squad features a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent. Seven players are making their debut appearance in the tournament. These new faces include Huzeima Osman, Abena Anoma Opoku, Alexandra Tay, Benedicte Simon, Linda Owusu Ansah, Sharon Sampson, and Ajegipina Zakaria. Their inclusion signals a strategic move to integrate fresh talent into the national team setup.
This participation in WAFCON 2026 is significant for Ghana's sports economy and national branding. International tournaments like WAFCON provide a platform for Ghanaian athletes to gain global recognition. Such exposure can attract foreign investment into sports infrastructure and youth development programs. It also boosts national pride and potentially increases tourism interest in Ghana.
The team is captained by Portia Boakye, a highly experienced player. Other key figures in the squad include Grace Asantewaa, Cynthia Konlan, Alice Kusi, Evelyn Badu, Jennifer Cudjoe, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, and Princella Adubea. All home-based players initially named in the provisional squad successfully secured their spots in the final selection, underscoring the strength of local talent.
Ghana has been drawn into Group D for the tournament. The Black Queens will face Cape Verde on July 29, followed by a match against Cameroon on August 2. Their final group stage game will be against Mali on August 6. All three crucial group stage encounters are scheduled to take place at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco.
The economic implications of Ghana's participation extend beyond direct sports revenue. Sponsorships, such as Bank of Africa's support for JoySports' coverage of the tournament, demonstrate corporate interest. This financial backing helps fund team preparations and media exposure. Increased visibility for Ghanaian football can also lead to more lucrative endorsement deals for individual players and the team as a whole.
Success in WAFCON could further elevate the profile of women's football in Ghana. This could encourage greater participation at grassroots levels and attract more funding for training facilities. The tournament serves as a vital benchmark for the development of women's sports across the African continent. Ghana's performance will be closely watched by fans and stakeholders alike.
The team's rigorous preparation included a 4-0 victory over Malawi and a friendly match against Côte d'Ivoire. These preparatory games were crucial for team cohesion and tactical refinement. The Black Queens' journey in Morocco will be a test of their resilience and skill on the international stage. Their performance will shape future investment and public interest in women's football in Ghana.