WAFCON 2026: Jennifer Cudjoe confident experienced Black Queens can go all the way

Black Queens midfielder Jennifer Cudjoe believes Ghana’s experience at major tournaments will be crucial as they continue their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign.

The 32-year-old Brooklyn FC player is among the senior members of the current squad, with a large number of the team having featured during Ghana’s third-place finish at the previous edition of the tournament.

Ghana opened this year’s competition with a 2-0 victory over Cape Verde on Wednesday, with Doris Boaduwaa’s early strike and a second-half own goal securing a winning start in Group D.

Cudjoe believes the team’s familiarity with the demands of the tournament, combined with the energy of the younger players, has created a strong balance within the squad.

“I think every game we take it game by game, but I’m excited that we got the points. I think it’s very important because they know how these games are. They know the experience. They know the type of teams that we’re going to play. So having experience always counts.”

She added that the newer players have benefited from learning from those who have previously competed at this level.

“But I think with the blend of the younger ones and then the older ones, it has been a massive boost for us.”

The Black Queens will face Cameroon in their next Group D fixture on August 2, with Cudjoe confident Ghana’s experience will help them navigate the challenges ahead.

The midfielder believes maintaining focus will be key as the team pursues a place in the knockout stage and a potential qualification ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.