2026 Women's AFCON: GFA boss optimistic as Black Queens target maiden title
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Kurt Simeon-Okraku, has expressed strong confidence in the Black Queens’ chances at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), insisting the team is well-placed to compete for the title and secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The official draw, held in Rabat, Morocco, placed Ghana in Group D alongside Cameroon, Mali and Cape Verde for the tournament, scheduled for March 17 to April 3, 2026.
While Mali represents a familiar opponent from the last edition, perennial contenders Cameroon bring physicality and tactical depth, while Cape Verde enter as ambitious underdogs eager to make an impact.
Speaking after the draw, Mr Simeon-Okraku backed head coach Kim Lars Björkegren to guide the Black Queens deep into the competition.
“I think that the head coach is very experienced and able to guide the girls. I have no doubt whatsoever that we’ll compete and that we will make it to the World Cup,” he told reporters.
Despite high expectations following Ghana’s podium finish at the previous WAFCON, the GFA President emphasised focus and composure over pressure.
The Ghana football chief, who also serves as CAF’s Second Vice President, added that Ghana’s third-place finish in the last edition shows the team can challenge any opponent on the continent.
“The ambition of the nation is to win the trophy, and I think that we are not far away from that,” he said.
The Black Queens’ confidence is further bolstered by their strong performances in recent competitions. In the 2025 Women’s AFCON, Ghana secured third place after a thrilling 4-3 penalty shoot-out victory over South Africa, a result that reinforced their return to the continent’s elite.
Even a recent 0-2 defeat to European champions England has been framed positively, highlighting the team’s ability to compete against top-tier opponents.
With a steadily growing pool of talent and the experience of a semi-final run under Coach Lars Björkegren in the previous edition, Ghana will aim to reach at least the last four for the second consecutive tournament and, ultimately, chase their first WAFCON crown.
The 2026 WAFCON will feature 16 nations, including hosts Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa and Zambia, promising one of the most competitive editions in recent memory. The top four teams will also earn automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
