Ghana’s Black Queens will now take on Benin in a key preparatory match ahead of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, following an adjustment to their friendly fixture list.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) confirmed the schedule change after initial plans to face Botswana on June 25 were scrapped.
Benin has been lined up as the new opponent, offering head coach Nora Häuptle another opportunity to assess her side before the continental showpiece begins in Morocco later this year.
“The Black Queens will face Benin in their second test match before the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco,” the GFA announced, referring to the modified plan initially expected to include three friendly matches.
The revised fixture list comes as the Ghanaians continue their final preparations on North African soil.
In their opening friendly over the weekend, Ghana secured a convincing 3-1 victory against Malawi, with star forward Doris Boaduwaa netting an impressive hat-trick.
The result served as a strong statement of intent from the nine-time WAFU Zone B champions, who are eager to reclaim their place among the elite in African women’s football.
Benin will now serve as Ghana’s next challenge in this series of pre-tournament tests.
Although not qualified for the upcoming tournament, Benin’s women’s team is expected to provide competitive opposition, helping to sharpen the Black Queens’ tactical shape and team cohesion.
Following the encounter against Benin, Ghana will round off their preparations with a high-profile fixture against regional rivals Nigeria on June 29.
The Super Falcons are among the favourites to lift the title, and the clash is expected to offer valuable insight into the level of Ghana’s readiness for the tournament.
At the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations, Ghana will compete in Group C, where they are drawn alongside defending champions South Africa, Mali, and Tanzania.
The group promises to be fiercely contested, and the Black Queens will need to be at their best to progress to the knockout stage.
With preparations entering a critical phase, the matches against Benin and Nigeria are now central to Ghana’s ambitions of a successful campaign in Morocco.
The team continues to build momentum, fuelled by a blend of emerging talents and experienced internationals eager to restore Ghana’s standing on the continental stage.
