2025 Women’s AFCON: Ghana’s Black Queens intensify preparations in Morocco

Ghana’s senior women’s national team, the Black Queens, have entered the final phase of their preparations as they build towards the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, which starts in just a few days.

Hosted at the Ziaida Sports Complex in Benslimane, the camp serves as the base for coach Kim Björkegren and his 24-player squad.

The focus is unwavering: sharpening physical conditioning, refining team dynamics, and implementing tactical blueprints to face formidable opponents in Group C.

Each training session kicks off with dynamic warm-ups and coordination drills. Players proceed to alignment exercises designed to optimise positioning in both defensive and offensive phases.

These are followed by strategic set-piece practices and targeted strength training. The intensity of the schedule underscores a deliberate approach to peak timing – ensuring the team is battle-ready once the tournament begins.

This disciplined build-up reflects the team’s momentum from recent friendly victories. The Black Queens have demonstrated progress in their warm-up clashes, notably securing wins over Malawi and Benin.

These results have buoyed confidence and offered practical insight into both individual performance and collective cohesion.

The team is scheduled for a final high-stakes friendly on Sunday, 29 June, facing regional rivals Nigeria’s Super Falcons at Lanoria Club.

This will serve as the ultimate examination before entering the main tournament, giving Björkegren and his coaching staff a chance to test formations, assess player form, and make any necessary tactical tweaks ahead of the group stage.

Ghana has been drawn into Group C alongside some of the continent’s leading sides. After defending champions South Africa, proven African playoff competitors Mali, and resilient Tanzania, the path ahead will be challenging.

But the Black Queens are on a mission: to end Ghana’s historic title drought and claim the nation’s first Women’s AFCON crown.

Central to their campaign is Björkegren’s strategic emphasis on resilience and adaptability. The Swedish coach has instilled a style of play that blends structure with creative freedom—encouraging players to express themselves within a clearly defined team framework. Leadership from senior squad members, guided by Björkegren’s vision, reinforces this balance.

The squad’s collective spirit has visibly strengthened as training progresses. Younger players benefit from the experience of their senior teammates, while the intense Moroccan environment fosters unity and purpose.

From drill pitches to meeting rooms, the mood is focused but optimistic, with every individual committed to collective success.

Off the pitch, preparations have been meticulous. Nutrition, rest schedules, and recovery protocols are carefully managed. Physiotherapists and performance analysts collaborate to minimise the risk of injury and ensure peak availability throughout the tournament’s duration.

With all these components in place—the intensive physical work, tactical refinement, experienced mentorship, and a strong camp ethos—the Black Queens appear well-positioned for a breakthrough tournament.

As the countdown continues, eyes will be on the Lanoria Club showdown against Nigeria. That fixture promises to offer not only a stern test but also a compelling preview of what lies ahead.

If the Black Queens deliver a performance on par with their recent trajectory, it will signal that Ghana is ready to contend with Africa’s elite.

As they prepare to step onto the pitch for their opening Group C fixture, Ghana’s Black Queens are not just aiming to compete—they are determined to reignite national pride and lift the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations trophy for the first time in their history.