Black Queens Face Defending Champions South Africa in 2024 WAFCON Opener
The Black Queens of Ghana will begin their 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) journey today with a tough Group C opening match against reigning champions South Africa, also known as Banyana Banyana. The high-stakes clash is set to take place at the Honneur Stadium in Morocco, with kickoff scheduled for 16:00 GMT.
This match marks a significant moment for Ghana, as the national women’s team returns to Africa’s premier football competition for the first time since 2018. With their eyes set on making a strong comeback, the Queens face a formidable opponent in South Africa, who are not only defending champions but also one of the tournament favourites.
Ghana’s WAFCON Return After Six-Year Absence
Ghana’s last appearance in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations was in 2018, and the team is eager to prove their progress since that time. Under the guidance of head coach Kim Lars Björkegren, the team has undergone a period of rebuilding, with a strong emphasis on youth development, tactical discipline, and offensive creativity.
Leading up to the tournament, the Black Queens engaged in three international friendlies to fine-tune their preparations. They began on a high note with a 3-1 victory over Malawi, showcasing their attacking flair. However, defensive vulnerabilities were exposed in the subsequent matches, where they fell 4-2 to Benin and 3-1 to Nigeria.
Despite the inconsistent results, coach Björkegren remains confident in his squad’s potential. “We know we’re considered underdogs or a dark horse in this tournament. Maybe not among the top favourites, but I truly believe this group has the quality to beat any team here,” he said in a pre-match interview. “I think we have a real chance to achieve something special.”
Black Queens vs Banyana Banyana: A Rivalry Revisited
Ghana and South Africa have a rich history in WAFCON competitions, and today’s clash will be the latest chapter in their longstanding rivalry. Below is a breakdown of their head-to-head meetings in previous Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournaments:
2016: Ghana 1-0 South Africa
2014: Ghana 1-1 South Africa
2008: Ghana 0-1 South Africa
2006: Ghana 1-0 South Africa
2004: Ghana 3-0 South Africa
2000: Ghana 0-1 South Africa
1998: Ghana 4-0 South Africa
With four wins and two losses from seven WAFCON encounters, the Black Queens will be looking to extend their upper hand in this critical opener. A strong start against the defending champions could set the tone for a successful group stage campaign.
Group C Fixtures and Ghana’s Path to the Knockouts
The Black Queens are placed in Group C alongside South Africa, Mali, and Tanzania. Their second match will be against Mali on July 11, followed by their final group fixture against Tanzania on July 14. The top two teams from each group, along with the best third-placed teams, will advance to the knockout stages.
Every match in the group phase will be crucial for Ghana, especially considering the level of competition. South Africa’s experience and recent dominance make them the toughest challenge on paper, but Mali and Tanzania will also present different tactical tests.
Key Players to Watch
Ghana will be relying on a mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talents. The attacking line, which showed flashes of brilliance during the friendlies, will be central to the team’s hopes. However, defensive organization remains a key area that needs improvement if the Queens are to progress beyond the group stage.
South Africa, led by a core of players who featured in their victorious 2022 WAFCON campaign, will be equally determined to defend their title. Their disciplined midfield and swift counter-attacks are expected to test Ghana’s backline from the onset.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for the Black Queens
As the Black Queens kick off their 2024 WAFCON campaign, today’s match against South Africa offers both a challenge and an opportunity. A strong performance could set the tone for a deep run in the tournament, while a loss would make the remaining group matches must-win affairs.
For Ghanaian football fans, this is more than just a return—it’s a statement of ambition, resilience, and the start of a potential new era for women’s football in the country.
Stay tuned for live updates and post-match analysis as Ghana takes on South Africa in their WAFCON 2024 opener.
