Ghana’s national women’s team, the Black Queens, secured their place in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) despite a 1-0 loss against Namibia in the second leg of the final round qualifier held in Pretoria, South Africa.
The Black Queens sealed their qualification on a 3-2 aggregate score, following their impressive 3-1 victory in the first leg at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday. Despite Nanamus Lydiana netting the solitary goal for Namibia in the 15th minute during the second leg, it wasn’t sufficient to see them progress, granting Ghana the ticket to next year’s tournament in Morocco.
Ghana’s qualification marks their participation as the fourth country to secure a spot in the continent’s premier women’s football competition, joining hosts Morocco, South Africa, and Algeria.
The recent loss to Namibia is the first defeat under the stewardship of coach Nora Häuptle, who took charge of the team in February this year. Despite the setback, Nora’s tenure has been marked by a significant achievement—the team’s successful qualification for WAFCON, a feat not accomplished since 2018.
The Black Queens’ resilience and earlier triumph in the first leg against Namibia proved pivotal in securing their place in the prestigious tournament, showcasing their determination and prowess in the qualifying campaign.
With their berth confirmed, the focus now shifts to the preparation and strategy as Ghana sets its sights on the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The qualification signals an opportunity for the Ghanaian side to showcase their talent on the continental stage and compete against some of the finest women’s football teams in Africa.
