Ghana’s senior women’s national team, the Black Queens, have slipped one place in the latest FIFA World Rankings despite their impressive third-place finish at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
Released on Thursday, the August rankings see the Black Queens drop from 66th to 67th globally, an unexpected shift given their strong showing on the continent after a six-year absence from the competition.
Under the guidance of head coach Kim Lars Björkegren, Ghana overcame early setbacks in the group stage, including a defeat to South Africa, before mounting a spirited comeback to beat the Banyana Banyana in the third-place playoff. The team’s only other loss came in the semifinals against host nation Morocco.
Despite these efforts, Ghana’s global ranking has taken a slight dip. On the African continent, however, the Black Queens held firm in 6th place, retaining their position from the previous update.
The ranking result has sparked questions among fans and pundits, especially considering Ghana finished above Morocco (4th) and Zambia (5th), both of whom placed higher continentally prior to the tournament.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Super Falcons, who lifted their record-extending 10th WAFCON title, remain Africa’s top-ranked women’s side.
Though the rankings may not fully reflect their progress, the Black Queens’ return to WAFCON podium has reignited optimism for the future of women’s football in Ghana, with calls for increased support and investment in the team.
