Ghana’s Black Queens hand first senior call-ups to Rabiatu Maltiti, Margaret Agyapomaa for Olympic qualifiers

The Black Queens have handed first senior call-ups to Black Princesses duo Rabiatu Maltiti and Margaret Agyapomaa for Ghana’s second-round African qualifiers for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Maltiti of Ampem Darkoa Ladies and Police Ladies defender Agyapomaa have earned their maiden invitations to the senior national team as head coach prepares his side for a two-legged clash against Mauritius.

The inclusion of the two players comes as Ghana begin their bid to secure a place at the 2028 Olympic Games, with the technical team opting to introduce fresh faces from the country’s youth setup.

Maltiti has been rewarded for her performances at club level with Ampem Darkoa, while Agyapomaa’s displays for Police Ladies have also earned her a chance to make the step up to the senior side.

Mukarama Abdulai makes long-awaited return

Former Black Maidens captain Mukarama Abdulai is another notable inclusion in the squad after overcoming a lengthy injury layoff.

The forward has previously represented the Black Queens but has spent an extended period away from the national team due to injury.

Her return provides the technical team with an experienced option in attack as Ghana prepare for what promises to be a demanding two-match tie.

Abdulai previously captained Ghana’s U-17 women’s team and established herself as one of the country’s prominent young attacking talents before injuries interrupted her progress.

Her inclusion alongside the two first-time senior call-ups adds a mixture of experience and youth to the squad for the Olympic qualifying assignment.

Mauritius stand between Ghana and next round

Ghana did not participate in the opening round of the African qualifiers after receiving a bye, leaving the Black Queens to enter the competition at the second stage.

They were drawn against the winner of the Mauritius-Djibouti first-round tie, with Mauritius eventually advancing to secure a meeting with Ghana.

The Black Queens will therefore have to negotiate two matches against Mauritius to progress in the continental qualifying race.

Ghana will play the opening leg away from home on Thursday, October 8, 2026, before returning home for the decisive second leg five days later.

The return fixture is scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, 2026, in Ghana, where the Black Queens will aim to complete the job and move another step closer to the Los Angeles Olympics.

The Olympic women’s football tournament will take place in Los Angeles in 2028, with African nations battling through the qualifying process for the continent’s available places.