The Black Queens of Ghana
Ghana’s Black Queens have been nominated for the Women’s National Team of the Year at the 2025 CAF Awards, following a remarkable resurgence under head coach Kim Lars Björkegren.
The nomination comes on the back of a stellar campaign at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, where the Black Queens clinched bronze, their first medal at the continental showpiece in over a decade.
Ghana’s run reignited national pride and marked a return to elite competition after missing the 2022 edition.
Led by veterans Portia Boakye and Priscilla Adubea, and energized by young talents like Stella Nyamekye and goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan, the Queens displayed balance, grit, and tactical maturity throughout the tournament.
Black Stars rise to 73rd in latest FIFA World Rankings
They reached the semi-finals after defeating some of the continent’s top sides and were only denied a place in the final by hosts Morocco on penalties.
This nomination caps a strong year of revival for the women’s national team, which had endured years of inconsistency before Björkegren’s appointment. His modern approach and emphasis on technical discipline have seen Ghana restore its identity as one of Africa’s football powerhouses.
The Black Queens will face competition from an impressive list of contenders, including Nigeria, South Africa, Morocco, Tanzania, Mali, and three youth sides, Nigeria U17, Zambia U17, and Côte d’Ivoire U17, as well as Cameroon U17.
CAF is expected to announce the awards’ date in the coming weeks, with Ghana hopeful of capping their comeback year with continental recognition.
Meanwhile, the Black Queens are set to regroup next week for their WAFCON qualifying doubleheader against Egypt, as they aim to build on their recent momentum.
FKA/MA
