The Black Queens of Ghana, one of Africa’s most formidable women’s football teams, find themselves at a crossroads. Scheduled international friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia, crucial to the team’s preparation for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco next year, are in jeopardy due to a lack of funding.
The matches, which would require approximately $40,000 to facilitate, have stalled as both the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MoYS) and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) have struggled to secure the necessary funds. With less than a month to finalize arrangements, the chances of the friendlies going ahead look increasingly slim, casting a shadow over the Black Queens’ WAFCON preparations.
Head coach Nora Häuptle, who has been steering the team with precision and determination since her appointment, voiced her concerns about the impact of the funding shortfall. The Swiss tactician had specifically earmarked the games against Senegal and Tunisia as opportunities to evaluate her squad and fine-tune strategies ahead of the continental showpiece.
This situation underscores a long-standing challenge faced by women’s football in Ghana: inadequate investment and support. The Black Queens, who have historically been overshadowed by the men’s national team, the Black Stars, last played a competitive match in July, a friendly against Japan. That game, while offering some valuable insights into the team’s capabilities, was months ago, leaving the squad with little to build on since their triumphant qualification for WAFCON earlier this year.
The Queens earned their spot in Morocco after a dramatic victory over Namibia in the final round of qualifiers, a result that reignited national pride and hopes for a strong showing at the tournament. However, the lack of competitive fixtures since then risks undoing the progress they have made.
The funding debacle has drawn the ire of fans and players alike. Many have taken to social media to express their frustration, calling on the MoYS and GFA to prioritize women’s football and ensure that the Queens receive the resources they need.
For the players, the stakes are even higher. Several team members have shared their disappointment, emphasizing how critical the friendlies are for maintaining their competitive edge.
As the clock ticks down, the Black Queens’ fate hangs in the balance. Calls have intensified for corporate sponsorship and public support to bridge the funding gap. Some local businesses have expressed interest, but no firm commitments have been made.
For now, the team continues to train at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, holding onto the hope that the matches will still take place.
