Ghana’s Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Bjorgren has unveiled his 24-woman squad for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), naming a blend of experience and new talent as the team looks to end decades of heartbreak at the continental showpiece.
The Swedish tactician’s selection features three goalkeepers, eight defenders, seven midfielders, and six forwards, with team captain Portia Boakye leading the charge into Group C, where Ghana will face defending champions South Africa, as well as Mali and Tanzania.
Notably absent from the squad is midfielder Abigail Kofi Kim, who many had expected to be included after her recent international appearances. Her omission raised eyebrows among supporters but reflects Bjorgren’s focus on giving new players a chance to shine on Africa’s biggest stage.
Only four members of the squad have ever played in a WAFCON tournament, meaning 20 players will be making their debuts when the competition kicks off on Saturday, 5 July. Among them are five home-based players from the Ghana Women’s Premier League: Kerrie McCarthy, Afi Amenyaku, Comfort Yeboah, Nancy Amoah and Wasiima Mohammed.
Despite the inexperience, Bjorgren is optimistic. “This is a team with hunger, passion, and belief,” he said. “We’re not just going to participate, we want to compete.”
Ghana has come close in the past, finishing as runners-up three times, but the Black Queens are yet to lift the trophy. With fresh energy and a desire to rewrite history, this could be the beginning of a new era for the team.
Full Squad
Goalkeepers: Kerrie McCarthy, Afi Amenyaku, Cynthia Konlan Findib
Defenders: Ernestina Abambila, Susan Ama Duah, Josephine Bonsu, Nina Norshie, Portia Boakye, Louisa Aniwaa, Anasthesia Achiaa, Comfort Yeboah
Midfielders: Nancy Amoah, Jennifer Cudjoe, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, Evelyn Badu, Grace Asantewaa, Jacqueline Owusu, Stella Nyamekye
Forwards: Wasiima Mohammed, Sherifatu Sumaila, Doris Boaduwaa, Princess Dankwah Marfo, Alice Kusi, Princella Adubea
Ghana’s campaign begins in what promises to be a tough but thrilling group, and for many of these players, it’s more than a tournament, it’s a dream in motion.
