Our ambition is to win the WAFCON – Kurt Okraku

Introduction

The Ghana Black Queens are gearing up for a significant challenge in the upcoming 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). Following a bronze medal finish in the previous tournament, the expectations for the team have risen dramatically. In a recent statement, Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku has made the nation’s intentions clear: the goal is not just to participate, but to lift the trophy. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the Black Queens’ preparations, the draw, and what it takes to transition from a podium finisher to a continental champion.

Key Points

Background

The Rise of the Black Queens

Ghanaian women’s football has a storied history, but recent years have seen a resurgence. The Black Queens have long been a formidable force in African football, consistently qualifying for the continent’s premier tournament. However, securing the ultimate title has remained elusive. The 2024 edition in Morocco marked a turning point. Under the guidance of head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren, the team displayed resilience and tactical discipline, culminating in a bronze medal victory against South Africa. This result ended a medal drought and signaled that Ghana was ready to compete with the continent’s elite once again.

Leadership Vision

Kurt Okraku, the President of the GFA, has been instrumental in revitalizing football administration in Ghana. His focus on women’s football has mirrored the investment seen in the men’s game. By setting high standards and providing the necessary support structures, the GFA leadership aims to restore the Black Queens to their former glory. Okraku’s recent comments reflect a shift in mentality—from hoping for a good showing to expecting victory.

Analysis

Decoding the Group D Challenge

The draw for the 2026 WAFCON has placed Ghana in a competitive Group D. To achieve their ambition of winning the trophy, the Black Queens must navigate a tricky group stage.

• Cameroon: The Indomitable Lionesses are traditionally one of the strongest teams in Africa. They possess physicality, speed, and experience. Matches against Cameroon are often tight, tactical battles that serve as a litmus test for championship contenders.
• Mali: Known for producing technically gifted players, Mali is a dangerous opponent. They can be unpredictable and have the talent to upset any team on their day.
• Cape Verde: While perhaps considered the underdogs of the group, Cape Verde represents a “banana skin” fixture. In tournament football, dropping points against lower-ranked teams can be fatal to title hopes. Ghana must secure maximum points here.

The Psychological Shift: From Bronze to Gold

Kurt Okraku noted, “Ghana must be able to stand any opponent… if you wish to become a champion.” This statement addresses the psychological aspect of the game. Winning a bronze medal proves a team is among the top four, but winning gold requires a different mindset. It requires the ability to close out tight games, to dominate possession, and to withstand pressure in the final stages. The 2024 victory over South Africa provided a blueprint for handling high-pressure knockout scenarios, which will be vital in Morocco.

World Cup Qualification at Stake

Beyond the continental glory, there is a pragmatic motivation for reaching the semi-finals. The 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil is a massive target. By reaching the last four of WAFCON, Ghana would secure an automatic ticket to the Mundial. This is significant because the Black Queens last appeared at the World Cup in 2007. Ending that 20-year absence is a primary driver for the squad and the association.

Practical Advice

How Ghana Can Bridge the Gap to Champions

To transform President Okraku’s ambition into reality, several tactical and logistical elements must be aligned:

1. Early Camp and Preparation: The team needs adequate time to gel, especially if new players are integrated. A pre-tournament camp in Morocco or a similar environment will help acclimatize to the conditions.
2. Focus on Finishing: The difference between a bronze and a gold medal is often clinical finishing. The coaching staff must prioritize conversion rates in training, ensuring that chances created are converted into goals.
3. Defensive Solidity: While attacking flair wins fans, defenses win championships. Ghana needs to maintain the clean sheets that characterized their run in 2024, particularly against high-tempo teams like Cameroon.
4. Squad Depth: WAFCON tournaments are grueling. The ability to rotate players without a drop in quality is essential. Developing a strong bench is as important as the starting XI.

FAQ

Conclusion

The path forward for the Ghana Black Queens is clearly defined by GFA President Kurt Okraku: the ambition is to win the 2026 WAFCON. With a talented squad coming off a morale-boosting bronze medal performance in 2024, and the added incentive of World Cup qualification, the team is poised for a historic run. However, success in the demanding environment of African football requires more than just ambition; it requires tactical excellence, mental fortitude, and flawless execution. As the team prepares to face Cameroon, Mali, and Cape Verde in Group D, the entire nation watches with the hope that this will be the year the Black Queens finally conquer Africa.