Meet the Black Queens midfielder touted as ‘Michael Essien of our time’

Black Queens midfielder, Grace Asantewaa, has been dominating conversations on social media following her impressive performance in the 2024 Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Asantewaa’s influence stretched across the pitch in a masterful performance that inspired the Black Queens to their first WAFCON semi-final since 2016, against Algeria.

She was in the squad at the 2018 edition at home, which failed to make it out of the group stages, but has found redemption after playing a pivotal role in the midfield.

Regarded as the midfield engine and choir leader, with the ball, she threaded passes upfront, to the wings, pushed forward to the 18-yard box, while constantly getting involved in communication between the defense and offense.

Asantewaa was relentless, and her heat map impressed many game analysts.

From the group stage to the semi-final against Morocco, where Ghana lost, she remained a standout, which some football fans have likened to legendary Black Stars midfielder Michael Essien’s prowess.

Asantewaa is one of four players who had featured in the WAFCON prior to this edition.

After winning the Most Valuable Player award in their quarter-final game against Algeria, Asantewaa stated that her greatest desire is to be remembered as one of the greats in Ghana’s history.

“I am very, very, very happy. I have been preparing for this. Ghanaians have been preparing for this. We had to work hard. It is time for us to win this WAFCON. And also, as an individual, I want to win this WAFCON. I want my name to be in the history books in Ghana, in Africa, and the world. I am very happy, and I know that Ghanaians are happy,” she said.

Some football fans urged her to be consistent with her performances as they tip her to become a legendary footballer in future.

Read the social media reactions below

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