Black Queens Set for Morocco: Ghana's 25-Player Squad Named for WAFCON 2026

Ghana's Black Queens are ready for their WAFCON campaign, with head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren confirming a 25-player final squad for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The selection represents a carefully balanced mix of seasoned internationals and exciting young talent, as the team prepares for group-stage challenges against Cape Verde, Cameroon and Mali.

Squad Composition and Fresh Faces

The final squad sees two players dropped from the provisional group named earlier this month, with seven players earning their first opportunity to represent Ghana at the continental tournament. Debutants Huzeima Osman, Abena Anoma Opoku, Alexandra Tay, Benedicte Simon, Linda Owusu Ansah, Sharon Sampson and Ajegipina Zakaria bring new energy to the squad. Significantly, all home-based players from the provisional squad have retained their places, underscoring the coach's confidence in Ghana's domestic talent pool.

The squad is anchored by captain Portia Boakye, supported by a core of experienced campaigners. Grace Asantewaa, Cynthia Konlan, Alice Kusi, Evelyn Badu, Jennifer Cudjoe, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah and Princella Adubea provide the leadership and match-winning quality expected at Africa's premier women's football competition. This blend of experience and youth will be crucial as Ghana navigates the tournament.

Group Stage Challenge

The Black Queens have been drawn in Group D, where they will face three significant tests. Their campaign opens against Cape Verde on July 29, followed by a major fixture against Cameroon on August 2, before concluding group play with Mali on August 6. All three matches will be staged at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca, providing a consistent venue for Ghana's opening engagements.

Why It Matters for Ghana

WAFCON remains one of Africa's most competitive sporting events, and Ghana's participation reflects the nation's sustained commitment to developing women's football. The inclusion of seven debutants signals a strategic investment in building depth for future campaigns whilst maintaining competitive strength through experienced players. Cameroon, in particular, represents a stern test—the Indomitable Lionesses are perennial WAFCON contenders with multiple titles to their name.

Success in this tournament could elevate the profile of women's football in Ghana, potentially attracting greater investment, sponsorship and grassroots participation. The Black Queens' performance in Morocco will also serve as a barometer for Ghana's progress in women's football across continental competition, with implications for future World Cup qualifiers and Olympic tournaments.

Coach Bjorkegren's selection strategy appears focused on creating a sustainable pipeline of talent. The balance between giving opportunities to newcomers and relying on proven performers suggests confidence that this squad can compete effectively whilst building foundations for longer-term success in women's football at the highest level.