Former Black Queens defender Faustina Ampah has highlighted the upcoming 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco as a critical test for Ghana's head coach Nora Häuptle.
The Black Queens face a tough challenge in Group C, where they will compete against defending champions South Africa (Banyana Banyana), Mali (Les Aiglonnes), and Tanzania (Twiga Stars). The group draw, held at the Mohammed VI Technical Centre in Salé, Morocco, has sparked anticipation about the tournament, which promises intense competition.
Host nation Morocco leads Group A alongside DR Congo, Zambia, and Senegal, while nine-time champions Nigeria headline Group B, where they will face Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana.
Häuptle, who earned plaudits for her tactical approach despite narrowly missing out on the 2024 Paris Olympics after a close defeat to Zambia's Copper Queens, now has an opportunity to establish her credentials on Africa's biggest stage.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with CitiSports, Ampah emphasized the importance of tournaments in evaluating a coach's abilities.
“WAFCON Will Be a True Test”
“We can all agree that tournaments are the ultimate measure of a coach’s abilities, especially since Häuptle hasn’t led the team in any major competitions yet,” Ampah remarked.
“She’s had a few high-profile games, including those against Nigeria and Zambia. Morocco, as hosts, are also doing well, but we lost both friendlies against them earlier this year.
“Tournaments are entirely different. Playing every three days tests not just tactical preparation but also concentration, endurance, and adaptability. That’s when we’ll truly see how prepared the team is and how Häuptle manages these challenges.”
Ampah’s comments reflect the growing expectations around the Black Queens as they prepare to challenge for continental glory. With Häuptle’s tactical approach and the talent within the team, the 2025 WAFCON presents an opportunity for Ghana to re-establish itself as a powerhouse in African women’s football.
The tournament kicks off in Morocco in early 2025, promising to deliver thrilling action and a stage for the Black Queens to shine under Häuptle’s leadership.
