Björkegren names 27-player Black Queens provisional squad for WAFCON 2026
Ghana’s Black Queens provisional squad for WAFCON 2026 features 27 players named by head coach Kim Lars Björkegren as preparations ramp up for the Morocco tournament. The Black Queens provisional squad blends experienced internationals and rising talents drawn from domestic and international clubs. The selection sets Ghana on course for Group D matches in Casablanca starting July 29.
Björkegren confirms 27-player provisional squad
The Black Queens provisional squad announced by head coach Kim Lars Björkegren is intended to form the core for Ghana’s campaign at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The list contains a mix of established senior figures and younger players who have impressed in recent seasons. Björkegren signaled that the selection is provisional and that final trimming will follow further training and assessment.
The coach emphasized squad balance when naming the group, seeking options in each position as Ghana prepares for a condensed tournament schedule. The provisional call-up allows staff to evaluate fitness, form and tactical fit ahead of the final roster submission. Officials expect the team to reconvene for an intensive camp to refine combinations and match readiness.
Blend of seasoned leaders and new faces
Ghana’s 27-player group includes long-serving internationals alongside players earning renewed or first-time recognition at senior level. Captain Portia Boakye brings leadership and tournament experience to the group, while veterans such as Grace Asantewaa and Susan Ama Duah provide midfield composure and defensive stability. Their presence is balanced by emerging names whose club form has demanded attention from national selectors.
Young talents in the squad offer fresh attacking and midfield options, giving Björkegren tactical flexibility. Players like Evelyn Badu and Princella Adubea bring pace and goal threat, and their integration could prove decisive in fast-turnaround matches. The mix suggests a deliberate strategy to blend international know-how with dynamic, high-energy performers.
Full provisional roster named by the coaching staff
The provisional list features goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and forwards drawn from a range of leagues and club levels. The invited players include Cynthia Konlan Fiindib, Osman Huzeima, Benedicte Simon, Josephine Bonsu, Portia Boakye, Susan Ama Duah, Abena Anoma Opoku and Grace Asantewaa. Additional call-ups are Linda Owusu, Evelyn Badu, Princess Marfo, Alice Kusi, Sharon Sampson, Ajegipina Zakaria, Afi Amenyeku, Comfort Yeboah, Anasthesia Achiaa and Ernestina Abambilla.
Completing the 27-player list are Alex Tay, Louisa Aniwaa, Jennifer Cudjoe, Wasima Mohammed, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, Stella Nyamekye, Princella Adubea, Doris Boaduwaa and Abigail Kim. The breadth of the roster highlights the technical staff’s intent to evaluate players across multiple positions and roles. Selection decisions reflect recent scouting and domestic league observations combined with players’ prior national-team contributions.
Training camp schedule and preparation plans
The Black Queens will resume camping imminently as part of a focused preparation cycle leading into the WAFCON tournament in Morocco. Coaching staff plan to use the training camp to finalize tactical systems, assess player fitness and build match chemistry under simulated competitive conditions. Sessions will likely include position-specific work, small-sided games and planned sparring fixtures to test match scenarios.
Medical and performance teams will monitor workload and recovery closely during camp to ensure players peak at the right moment. The condensed nature of tournament play requires careful rotation planning and contingency preparations for injuries or suspensions. Technical staff have underlined the importance of mental readiness alongside physical conditioning as the squad prepares for three group matches in quick succession.
Group D opponents and match timeline in Casablanca
Ghana has been drawn into Group D for the WAFCON tournament and will play at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca. The Black Queens’ schedule opens against Cape Verde on July 29, followed by a match with Cameroon on August 2 and a final group fixture against Mali on August 6. All three fixtures are set to take place at the same Casablanca venue, presenting consistent match conditions for the team.
The grouping presents varied tactical challenges, with each opponent bringing distinct styles and strengths. Cape Verde’s approach is expected to be disciplined and organized, while Cameroon traditionally offers physicality and direct play. Mali will present its own technical demands, requiring adaptive game plans and situational awareness from Ghana’s coaching staff and players.
Tactical outlook and players to watch
Björkegren’s selection suggests an emphasis on midfield control and transitional speed, with players like Grace Asantewaa and Susan Ama Duah likely to anchor possession and defensive structure. Up front, Evelyn Badu and Princella Adubea are candidates to lead counterattacks and stretch opposition defenses with their mobility. The presence of experienced defenders and utility players provides options for different formations and in-game adjustments.
Set pieces and defensive organization could be decisive in tight group fixtures, making players with aerial presence and positional discipline particularly valuable. Goalkeeping reliability will also be under scrutiny, and the final roster decision will weigh current form against tournament temperament. Tactical flexibility will be tested by the quick turnaround between Group D matches, so squad depth and effective rotation will be key components of Ghana’s strategy.
Next steps toward final squad selection and logistics
Following the provisional call-up, the technical team will monitor player progress during the upcoming camp before naming a final tournament roster. Final selection will consider fitness assessments, performance in training and any available friendly matches scheduled prior to the departure for Morocco. Administrative steps, including travel arrangements and accreditation for the tournament, will be coordinated with the Ghana Football Association.
Officials expect a narrowing of the squad in line with WAFCON registration rules, with final lists confirmed by the stipulated deadline ahead of the tournament. Support staff will continue to liaise with clubs to manage player release and ensure smooth transitions into national-team duties. The federation has underlined its commitment to providing the team with the logistical and medical support necessary for a successful campaign.
The Black Queens now move into a critical phase of preparation as the countdown to Morocco accelerates, with squad cohesion and tactical clarity the immediate priorities for Björkegren and his coaching staff.
