Ghana Football Association President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku has expressed strong confidence in the Black Queens following the draw for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, backing head coach Kim Lars Björkegren to lead the team toward continental success and a return to the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Ghana have been drawn in Group D alongside Cameroon, Mali and Cape Verde for the tournament, which will be hosted by Morocco from March 17 to April 3, 2026. Coming off a third-place finish at the previous edition, the Black Queens will be looking to build on that momentum and push further in their quest for silverware.
Speaking after the draw, Simeon-Okraku highlighted the experience and leadership of Björkegren, expressing confidence in the technical direction of the team and its ability to compete at the highest level. “I think that the head coach is very experienced and able to guide the girls,” Simeon-Okraku told reporters. “I have no doubt whatsoever that we’ll compete and that we will make it to the World Cup.”
Despite the expectations that follow Ghana’s recent success, the GFA President played down concerns about pressure, stressing the importance of focus and mental strength as preparations continue. “I think that if it’s about pressure, there’s pressure everywhere,” he said. “There’s pressure in eating, pressure in laughing, pressure in having a conversation, and there’s pressure in sports. Football is an emotive enterprise, but what’s most important is how you react, how you act, and how you handle such situations.”
The CAF second vice president also noted that the Black Queens have already proven they can compete with the best teams on the continent and should approach the tournament with confidence, regardless of the opposition drawn. “On the back of the fact that Ghana were third at the last WAFCON, Ghana should be ready to face any opponent,” he stated. “The Black Queens should be able to play against any side on the African continent if you want to become a champion.”
Reaffirming Ghana’s long-term ambition, Simeon-Okraku made it clear that lifting the WAFCON trophy remains the ultimate goal for the nation. “The ambition of the nation is to win the trophy, and I think that we are not far away from that.” he said.
Beyond continental glory, the tournament also offers a vital route back to the FIFA Women’s World Cup, with semi-finalists securing automatic qualification. Ghana have not featured at the global showpiece since 2007, making the 2026 WAFCON an important opportunity for the Black Queens.
Defending champions Super Falcons of Nigeria were drawn in a separate group alongside Zambia, Egypt and Malawi, with the draw conducted on Thursday at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco, ahead of what promises to be a highly competitive tournament.
