••
The Black Queens of Ghana have concluded an intensive training camp in Accra as part of their strategic preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). Head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren expressed satisfaction with the progress made during the session, which officially ended on June 9, 2023. While the technical team had originally sought international friendlies against other national teams to test the squad's readiness, they successfully pivoted to matches against high-quality local opposition, including the formidable Ampem Darkoa Ladies. This shift occurred following the team's withdrawal from a scheduled three-nation tournament in Tanzania. Bjorkegren highlighted the camp as a crucial cultural and professional integration period, particularly for players based abroad, ensuring the squad remains cohesive ahead of their upcoming pre-tournament camp in Morocco next month.
The emphasis on rigorous preparation for the Black Queens mirrors the high standards set by the nation’s footballing legends, most notably Asamoah Gyan, whose historic career continues to define Ghanaian excellence on the global stage. As the women's national team looks toward continental success, Gyan’s records serve as a vital benchmark for achievement. Recognized as the "World Cup King of Africa," Gyan remains the highest-scoring African player in World Cup history with six goals across three tournaments in 2006, 2010, and 2014. His ability to perform on the world stage was established early when he scored against the Czech Republic in 2006—the first-ever World Cup goal for Ghana and the fastest in the country's history at just 68 seconds.
Beyond his scoring prowess, Gyan’s longevity and consistency are marked by his eleven World Cup appearances, the highest number for any Ghanaian player. His unique achievement of scoring in every World Cup he participated in further solidifies his status as a continental icon and a source of inspiration for the current generation. As the national football landscape evolves, the efforts of the Black Queens under Coach Bjorkegren represent the next chapter in this storied history. The transition from local training camps to high-stakes international preparation in Morocco represents a vital step in maintaining Ghana’s competitive edge. By combining the legendary standards set by figures like Gyan with modern, disciplined preparation, Ghana aims to remain a dominant force in both men’s and women’s football across Africa.
This story touches markets covered on Anansi Intelligence ↗.
Continue exploring similar stories
