Josiah
Ghana’s women’s national team, the Black Queens, have encountered a significant hurdle in their preparations for the 2025 Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON). For the second consecutive international window, the team has been unable to play any matches due to insufficient funding.
In October, the government failed to approve funding for friendly matches, forcing the team to forgo vital game time. Similarly, in November, the Black Queens had scheduled friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia, essential for building competitive momentum ahead of the WAFCON in Morocco in July 2025. However, these matches were canceled when the required $40,000 budget was not approved.
While the Black Queens remained sidelined, other WAFCON-bound teams used the international windows to strengthen their preparations. Defending champions South Africa played against top teams like Denmark, England, and Jamaica. Host nation Morocco faced Tanzania, Senegal, and Botswana, while Nigeria squared off against Algeria and France. These opportunities provided critical competitive experience for these teams, leaving Ghana at a disadvantage.
The Black Queens last played in August 2024, meaning they could go eight months without a match by April 2025—just three months before WAFCON begins on July 5. This prolonged inactivity has sparked frustration among fans and raised questions about the government’s commitment to women’s football.
WAFCON, which also serves as a qualifier for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, is a pivotal event for the Black Queens. However, the lack of funding and preparation puts their chances of success in jeopardy. Urgent intervention is needed to secure resources and ensure the team can adequately prepare for the tournament, preserving their competitive edge and Ghana’s reputation in women’s football.
Source:Omanghana.com
