Black Queens 24-Player Squad Named for Historic England Lionesses Friendly

Introduction

The Ghana women’s national football team, popularly known as the Black Queens, has announced a 24-player squad for an upcoming international friendly match against England’s Lionesses. Head coach Kim Lars Björkegren selected this balanced roster to prepare for major competitions ahead. Scheduled for December 2, 2025, at St. Mary’s Stadium in Southampton, UK, this fixture marks the first-ever senior women’s international encounter between Ghana and England.

This announcement highlights the Black Queens’ strategic buildup toward the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in March 2026. With a mix of experienced leaders and emerging talents, the squad aims to test tactics against one of the world’s top teams. Keywords like Black Queens squad, England Lionesses friendly, and Kim Lars Björkegren selection underscore the excitement surrounding this preparatory clash.

Why This Match Matters for Ghana Football

Friendlies like this provide invaluable high-level exposure. Facing the Lionesses, who reached the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final, allows the Black Queens to benchmark their progress. It also boosts player morale and fan engagement ahead of continental qualifiers.

Analysis

Coach Kim Lars Björkegren’s squad selection reflects a thoughtful blend of continuity and innovation. The inclusion of returning defender Anasthesia Achiaa strengthens the backline, addressing past vulnerabilities in aerial duels and set-piece defense. Her experience from previous campaigns adds stability.

A standout debut call-up goes to Benedictè Simon from Servette Geneve FC, signaling faith in overseas-based talents. Regular starters such as captain Portia Boakye, midfielder Evelyn Badu, forward Doris Boaduwaa, and versatile Chantelle Boy-Hlorkah ensure leadership on the pitch. This Ghana Black Queens squad composition prioritizes depth across positions: goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and attackers.

Coach Björkegren’s Tactical Vision

Since taking charge, Björkegren has emphasized high pressing and quick transitions. This friendly offers a platform to refine these against England’s possession-dominant style. Data from recent qualifiers shows the Black Queens conceding fewer goals under his guidance, with improved win rates.

Player Profiles and Roles

• Portia Boakye (Captain): Defensive midfielder known for interceptions and long-range passes.
• Evelyn Badu: Dynamic box-to-box player with strong tackling stats.
• Doris Boaduwaa: Speedy winger contributing goals and assists.
• Anasthesia Achiaa: Center-back returning to bolster defensive organization.
• Benedictè Simon: Debutant forward with goal-scoring prowess in Swiss leagues.

The full 24-player Black Queens roster for England friendly maintains squad rotation to manage fitness, crucial for the packed WAFCON schedule.

Summary

In summary, Kim Lars Björkegren has named a 24-player Black Queens squad featuring veterans and newcomers for the December 2, 2025, friendly versus England at St. Mary’s Stadium. This historic matchup serves as key preparation for WAFCON 2026, blending experience with fresh talent like Anasthesia Achiaa and Benedictè Simon.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For fans eager to follow the Black Queens vs England friendly, here’s how to stay engaged:

Watching the Match

Check Ghana Football Association (GFA) channels or international broadcasters like BBC for live coverage. Streaming options may include FIFA+ or local sports apps. UK-based supporters can attend via ticket sales on St. Mary’s Stadium’s official site.

Supporting the Team

Join social media campaigns with hashtags #BlackQueensSquad and #SupportBlackQueens. Purchase official merchandise from GFA stores to show solidarity. Follow training updates on the team’s verified accounts for insider news.

Fan Travel Tips

If traveling to Southampton, book flights to London Heathrow early and use trains to Southampton Central. Expect winter weather; pack warm clothing. Respect FIFA spectator codes for smooth entry.

Points of Caution

While excitement builds, consider these factors:

Player Fitness and Injuries

Squad selections account for injury risks; monitor GFA updates for last-minute changes. Björkegren’s rotations minimize fatigue ahead of WAFCON.

Travel and Logistics

International travel requires valid passports and visas for UK entry. Weather in Southampton in December can be rainy and cold (average 5-10°C). Follow health protocols if any global advisories apply.

Fan Behavior

Maintain sportsmanship; avoid unauthorized streaming to respect broadcast rights. Be wary of fake ticket scams online.

Comparison

Comparing the Black Queens to the England Lionesses reveals stylistic contrasts. England ranks top-5 globally (FIFA), excelling in possession (60%+ averages) and set-pieces, as seen in their Euro 2022 triumph. The Black Queens, around FIFA 65th, thrive on counter-attacks and physicality.

Head-to-Head and Form Guide

No prior senior meetings exist, but recent form favors preparation: Black Queens unbeaten in last five Africa qualifiers; Lionesses drew with powerhouses like the USA. This Ghana vs England women’s football friendly pits resilience against technical prowess.

Strengths Breakdown

Legal Implications

No specific legal issues arise from this friendly, as it complies with FIFA and Confederation of African Football (CAF) regulations for international matches. Squad selections follow GFA eligibility rules, ensuring all players hold Ghanaian passports and meet age/residency criteria. Broadcast rights are managed by official partners, with piracy prohibited under international copyright laws.

Conclusion

The Black Queens’ 24-player squad announcement by Kim Lars Björkegren sets the stage for a landmark friendly against England on December 2, 2025. This match not only tests the team’s readiness for WAFCON 2026 but also elevates Ghana women’s football on the global stage. With stars like Portia Boakye and newcomers like Benedictè Simon, expect a competitive showing. Fans worldwide should mark their calendars for this historic Black Queens England friendly.

As the Black Queens evolve under Björkegren, such fixtures build momentum. Stay tuned for live updates and post-match analysis to witness Ghana’s rise in women’s international football.

FAQ