Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku has praised the Black Queens for their outstanding start in the 2024 Africa Women's Cup of Nations (AWCON) qualifiers, where they secured an emphatic 7-0 victory against Rwanda in Kigali.
However, he emphasises that the primary objective is not only qualification but also clinching the championship trophy in Morocco.
Black Queens failed to make the cut for the previous tournament, but under the direction of coach Nora Hauptle, they have demonstrated great promise and tenacity, as evidenced by the thrashing of Rwanda in their own backyard.
President Okraku visited the team ahead of the second leg in Accra, expressing his appreciation for their efforts and acknowledging the pride they bring to Ghana.
He stated, “I will say ayekoo to you for the sacrifices and the good work you are doing towards Ghana's qualification. If you are a member of this family, I am sure you are already proud of yourself. Ghana is appreciative and proud of what you're doing, and that should be your first line of satisfaction.”
“This mission is to make the Nation great and strong. We want to restore the pride of the country. We want to return to the times when Ghana qualified for the World Cup and the Black Queens showed up.”
What I see here is a national team made up of a group of ladies who are committed towards our country, Ghana.”
“Your FA and the government are committed towards what you're doing and will continue to support what you're doing.”
He concluded by saying, “We have a clear mission to go back to the AFCON and to win an AFCON trophy. I have no doubt we have the right levels of talent to make it all the way, but talent alone is not enough. Let's be focused and maintain the good team spirit that we have – because that is the only way we can make it.”