Ghana’s senior women’s national football team, the Black Queens, will lock horns with reigning champions South Africa tonight in a high-stakes clash as both teams begin their campaign in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The much-anticipated Group C opener kicks off at 4:00 p.m. GMT at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco.
This encounter marks a crucial return for Ghana, who are featuring in the tournament for the first time since 2018, when they hosted but failed to progress past the group stage. Under the guidance of Swedish coach Kim Lars Björkegren, the Queens are aiming for a bold comeback and are eager to make a strong impression against one of the tournament favourites.
Speaking ahead of the match, Coach Björkegren expressed confidence in his squad’s potential despite the odds.
“We know we’re a bit of a dark horse,” he said. “But I truly believe we have the quality to beat any team in this tournament.”
The Black Queens will be banking on the attacking flair of players like Evelyn Badu, Doris Boaduwaa, and captain Portia Boakye to trouble the experienced South African defence. However, defensive stability remains a concern for Ghana, having conceded seven goals in their last two warm-up matches against Nigeria and Benin.
South Africa, led by coach Desiree Ellis, is coming into the tournament with momentum on its side. The Banyana Banyana are unbeaten in their last seven matches and boast a disciplined defensive unit. Ellis, however, remains cautious of the Ghanaian threat.
“Teams have evolved. You cannot underestimate any team,” she warned.
The history between the two sides adds further spice to the tie. In seven previous WAFCON meetings, both teams have won three matches apiece, with one draw, underlining the fierce competitiveness of the fixture. Ghana’s last win over South Africa came in the 2016 edition of the tournament.
Tonight’s clash could have significant implications for Group C, which also features Mali and Tanzania. A win for Ghana would mark a strong statement of intent and greatly enhance their chances of advancing, while South Africa will be keen to avoid any early slip-up in their title defence.
Match Details:
- Fixture: Ghana vs South Africa
- Competition: 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON)
- Date: Monday, July 7, 2025
- Kick-off: 4:00 p.m. GMT
- Venue: Honneur Stadium, Oujda, Morocco
