President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, says the Black Queens will head into the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a clear objective—to win the trophy.
Ghana learned their group-stage opponents on Thursday ahead of the tournament, which will be hosted in Morocco from March 17 to April 3, 2026. The Black Queens were drawn into Group D, where they will face Cameroon, Mali, and Cape Verde.
Speaking after the draw, Okraku expressed strong belief in the team’s ability to challenge for continental honours, citing their impressive showing at the last edition of the tournament.
“The ambition of the nation is to win the trophy [WAFCON]. And I think that we are not far away from that,” Okraku said.
“I think that on the back of the fact that Ghana was third at the last WAFCON, Ghana should be ready to face any opponent. If you want to become a champion, you must be able to play against any side on the African continent,” he added.
Under head coach Kim Lars Björkegren, the Black Queens finished third at the 2024 WAFCON, defeating South Africa on penalties to claim the bronze medal—a result that boosted confidence within the camp and raised expectations nationwide.
Beyond the continental title, the 2026 tournament also carries global significance, as semi-finalists will automatically qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Ghana will be eager to secure a return to the world stage, having last featured at the Women’s World Cup in 2007.
With renewed ambition, a competitive squad, and a challenging group, the Black Queens head to Morocco, aiming not only to compete but also to finally lift Africa’s most coveted women’s football trophy.
GHANA BLACK QUEENS – A BRIEF HISTORY
- Appearances: 13 (1991–2024)
- Titles: 0
- Runners-up: 3 times (1998, 2002, 2006)
- Third Place: 4 times (2000, 2004, 2016, 2024)
- 2024/2025 Campaign: The Black Queens finished third in the 2024 tournament (held in 2025) after defeating South Africa 4-3 on penalties, following a 1-1 draw in the third-place playoff.
- Key Stats: The team reached the semi-finals at least 7 times in their history.
- Qualification: The Black Queens have qualified for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations to be held in Morocco.
- Draw: They are drawn in Group D for the 2026 tournament, facing Cameroon, Mali, and Cape Verde.
- Ranking: The team has risen to 62nd in the FIFA world rankings and 3rd in Africa as of late 2025.
- Coach: The team is managed by Kim Lars Björkegren.
