Ghana Set Sights on WAFCON Glory in 2026 – Kurt Okraku Declares Bold Ambition

President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, has boldly stated that the ultimate goal of the Black Queens is to win the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), underlining Ghana’s growing confidence ahead of the continental showpiece.

The declaration comes on the back of the official WAFCON draw, which placed Ghana in Group D alongside Cameroon, Mali, and Cape Verde for the tournament scheduled to take place in Morocco.

Renewed Confidence After Strong Showing at Last WAFCON

Ghana head into the 2026 tournament buoyed by an impressive performance at the previous edition, where the Black Queens finished third, claiming the bronze medal after edging South Africa in a dramatic penalty shootout. That result marked a significant resurgence for the team after years of rebuilding and inconsistency on the continental stage.

According to Okraku, that bronze-medal finish has shifted expectations and reinforced belief within Ghanaian football circles that the Black Queens are now capable of challenging for the ultimate prize.

“The ambition of the nation is to win the trophy,” Okraku said. “Based on where we are coming from and the progress made, I truly believe we are not far away from achieving that dream.”

Ready to Face Africa’s Best

The GFA president emphasized that Ghana must approach the tournament with a champion’s mentality, insisting that any fears about the quality of opposition must be set aside.

“After finishing third at the last WAFCON, Ghana should be ready to face any opponent,” he noted. “If you want to be champions, you must be prepared to play against and overcome the very best teams on the African continent.”

Group D is expected to be competitive, featuring experienced sides such as Cameroon and Mali, but Ghana’s leadership believes the challenge will help sharpen the Queens ahead of the knockout stages.

World Cup Dream Adds Extra Motivation

Beyond continental success, the 2026 WAFCON also serves as a gateway to the global stage, with the semi-finalists earning automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

For the Black Queens, this presents a golden opportunity to end a long absence from the Mundial. Ghana last featured at the Women’s World Cup in 2007, and qualification would mark a historic return while further validating the progress of women’s football in the country.

Björkegren’s Project Continues to Take Shape

Under the guidance of head coach Kim Lars Björkegren, the Black Queens have shown growing tactical discipline, resilience, and belief. The team’s recent performances suggest a blend of experienced players and emerging talent capable of competing at the highest level.

With improved preparation, growing institutional support, and rising expectations from fans and administrators alike, Ghana’s women’s national team enters 2026 with renewed purpose.

Tournament Timeline

The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will kick off on March 17, with the final set for April 3, as Africa’s top women’s national teams converge in Morocco to battle for continental supremacy.

Source: myjoyonline.com

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