French-Ghanaian defender, Bénédicte Simon, is on the brink of making her maiden international appearance for Ghana after earning a debut call-up for the Black Queens’ high-profile friendly against England in Southampton on December 5.
The 28-year-old Servette Geneva right-back, born in France to Ghanaian parents, previously featured for France’s U-23 side in a friendly against French top-flight club side, ASJ Soyaux, on April 8, 2021.
Now, after completing her nationality switch, she joins Coach Kim Lars Björkegren’s 24-woman squad as the Black Queens gear up for one of their sternest tests against the reigning European champions at St Mary’s Stadium.
Balanced squad
Björkegren has assembled a blend of established stars and emerging talents, including the returning Anasthesia Achiaa, who missed Ghana’s recent Women’s AFCON qualifier against Egypt.
England-based forward, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, newly crowned 2025 SWAG Women’s Footballer of the Year (Foreign-Based), also headlines the squad alongside Grace Asantewaa, Doris Boaduwaa, Alice Kusi, Josephine Bonsu and captain Portia Boakye.
Simon’s inclusion is a significant boost for the Queens.
With experience against European heavyweights—PSG, Atlético Madrid, Sassuolo, Juventus and Valencia—she arrives with a pedigree that promises to strengthen Ghana’s defensive ranks.
But competition for places remains fierce in a team that clinched bronze at the last Women’s AFCON and is eager to announce its return to the continental stage with authority.
The Black Queens will look to use the Southampton clash as a true measure of their progress, with England expected to provide a formidable challenge ahead of next year’s AFCON.
Full squad
Cynthia Konlan Fiindib, Kerrie McCarthy, Afi Amenyeku, Bénédicte Simon, Josephine Bonsu, Comfort Yeboah, Ernestina Abambila, Portia Boakye, Anasthesia Achiaa, Susan Ama Duah, Louisa Aniwaa, Grace Asantewaa, Nancy Amoh, Jennifer Cudjoe, Evelyn Badu, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, Stella Nyamekye, Alice Kusi, Princess Marfo, Nina Norshie, Doris Boaduwaa, Mary Amponsah, Princella Adubea and Abigail Kofi Kim.
