Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Björkegren has named a 25-player squad for the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), keeping faith with the core of the team that impressed at the previous edition in Morocco.
The Swedish tactician has blended experienced campaigners with a handful of emerging talents as Ghana prepares for another shot at continental glory.
His selection follows weeks of intensive preparations, including training camps and playing three international friendly matches designed to sharpen the squad ahead of Africa’s premier women’s football competition.
Captain Portia Boakye will lead the side once again, with key figures such as Grace Asantewaa, goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan Findiib, Jennifer Cudjoe, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, Doris Boaduwaa and Princess Marfo all earning places in the final squad.
Björkegren has also rewarded impressive performances from Sharon Sampson, Abena Anoma Opoku and promising youngster Linda Owusu Ansah.
The squad reflects continuity rather than wholesale changes, with the coach retaining the majority of the players who helped Ghana return to the podium at the last WAFCON. Björkegren will now hope that the familiarity and cohesion within the group can translate into a successful campaign in Morocco.
Continuity the Foundation of Ghana’s Ambitions
Björkegren’s decision to stick with a largely unchanged squad underlines his confidence in the players who restored Ghana’s status among Africa’s elite women’s teams.
The Black Queens finished third at the previous tournament after an impressive run that ended in heartbreaking fashion in the semi-finals, where they lost to hosts Morocco in a penalty shootout.
Ghana bounced back from that disappointment to secure the bronze medal, providing renewed optimism for the future of the national team.
Rather than rebuilding, the coach has opted to build on that momentum by maintaining the chemistry developed over the past two years.
Familiar partnerships across defence, midfield and attack are expected to give Ghana a competitive edge against some of the continent’s strongest nations.
Experienced Leaders and Emerging Talent
Captain Portia Boakye headlines a squad packed with experience, while midfielders Jennifer Cudjoe and Grace Asantewaa are expected to provide leadership in the heart of the team. Doris Boaduwaa, Abi Kim and Ajejina Zakaria will be among the attacking options tasked with delivering goals.
In defence, players such as Anasthesia Achiaa, Josephine Bonsu, Comfort Yeboah and Benedicte Simon strengthen a backline that showed resilience during the previous tournament. Cynthia Konlan Findiib remains one of the trusted goalkeepers, bringing valuable international experience.
The squad also includes exciting young talents who have continued to develop since breaking onto the international scene. Linda Owusu Ansah’s inclusion is a testament to her rapid progress, while Sharon Sampson and Abena Anoma Opoku have earned opportunities after consistently impressing at club level.
The blend of youth and experience gives Björkegren multiple tactical options while ensuring competition for places remains high throughout the tournament.
Chasing a Historic First WAFCON Title
This will be Björkegren’s second WAFCON campaign as Ghana head coach, and expectations are significantly higher following the encouraging performance at the previous edition.
The Black Queens are aiming to win the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in their history, a feat made more challenging by the dominance of Nigeria, who have lifted the trophy 10 times across the tournament’s 13 editions.
However, Ghana’s third-place finish demonstrated that the gap between the continent’s traditional powers is narrowing. With an experienced squad, improved team chemistry and confidence gained from their recent success, the Black Queens will believe they have the quality to challenge for the title.
Attention now shifts from preparation to performance as Ghana heads to Morocco determined to take the next step.
Having already proved they can compete with Africa’s best, Björkegren’s side will be eager to transform promise into history by bringing home the country’s first WAFCON crown.
READ ALSO: GES Releases Recruitment Update
