Asamoah Gyan has issued a rousing call to the Black Queens to start their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign with victory, as Ghana face Cape Verde in their opening Group D match in Casablanca.
The former Ghana captain, now an official ambassador for the country’s national teams and colts football, has publicly thrown his weight behind the side before Wednesday’s game at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Morocco.
Ghana, who took bronze at the last edition of the tournament, travel to North Africa targeting a first-ever WAFCON title and a deep run that would also strengthen their bid to reach the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil next year.
Gyan’s rallying message
In a message posted on his official X account, the ex-Sunderland, Rennes and Al Ain striker urged the players to embrace the occasion and play for the country.
“It’s another time to make the nation proud again,” Gyan wrote, framing the tournament as a fresh chance for the side to deliver on a major stage.
He underlined discipline, collective effort and faith in the coaching staff as the foundations for success, telling the squad that their talent would count only if they adhered to the game plan and trusted one another.
“Just stay focused, stay confident, and follow instructions. With your quality, I know you will shine in your opening game for the motherland in Morocco. Go Ghana! Go Black Queens.”
Tough group test for Ghana
The Black Queens begin against tournament debutants Cape Verde, but face a demanding schedule in Group D as they look to reach the knockout phase.
Following Wednesday’s opener, Ghana take on Cameroon on Sunday, 2 August, before rounding off the group stage against Mali on Thursday, 6 August. With three competitive fixtures in quick succession, every point is expected to be vital in the race for qualification.
Ghana’s bronze medal from the previous WAFCON has raised expectations around the team, and the squad arrive in Morocco with renewed belief that they can improve on that performance and challenge for the title.
World Cup ambition drives campaign
Beyond continental honours, the Black Queens are also using the tournament as a pathway to the global stage. A strong showing at WAFCON would move them closer to securing a place at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, a target seen as central to the long-term growth of the women’s game in Ghana.
Progress in Morocco would not only boost Ghana’s stature within African women’s football but also give the current generation the chance to test themselves against the world’s leading nations next year.
With Gyan’s endorsement and wide backing from supporters at home, the Black Queens will aim to open their WAFCON journey with a commanding display against Cape Verde, setting the tone for what they hope will be a memorable and history-making campaign.
