Ghana's Black Queens will launch their 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign today (Monday) with a high-stakes clash against defending champions South Africa in Group C, as they aim to revive their continental title ambitions.
The match, set for Honneur Stadium, Oujda, Morocco marks one of the most anticipated openers of the tournament, pitting two of the continent’s most experienced sides against each other.
Ghana, seeking their first WAFCON title despite three runner-up finishes, arrived in Morocco with renewed optimism under head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren. The Swedish tactician has overseen a resurgence in the team’s form, with a blend of experienced core players like captain Portia Boakye, Evelyn Badu and emerging talent like Doris Boaduwaa.
“This team has been growing a lot over the last month together both on the pitch but also off the pitch so I am feeling that we are physically better prepared and tactically better prepared than if I compare with one month ago,” Bjorkegren told CAF media. “And I am pretty sure the players agree with that as well.”
South Africa, led by veteran coach Desiree Ellis, are the reigning champions after lifting their first continental title in 2022. The Banyana Banyana are unbeaten in their last six WAFCON matches and boast a strong squad featuring the likes of Refiloe Jane, Linda Motlhalo and goalkeeper Andile Dlamini.
The opening fixture could prove decisive in a challenging Group C that also includes Mali and Tanzania.
WAFCON 2024 serves as the main qualification route for African teams to the 2025 FIFA Women’s World Cup, adding extra stakes to the continental showdown.
Kickoff for Ghana's game against Banyana Banyana is at 4:00 pm.
By: Pascal Amoah
