Just days before Christmas last year, after five long years in the wilderness, the radiant Black Queens finally secured their glorious return to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Their intense battle against Namibia handed the Queens a delightful early Christmas gift – passage to the continent’s elite women’s tournament.
Now on February 23, a date with destiny awaits as they face the formidable Zambian Copper Queens in a pivotal Olympic qualifier.
Victory over the spritely Copper Queens will edge the Queens tantalizingly close to fulfilling their Olympic dreams.
🤩This and many more coming up in a bit with our #Paris2024 Olympic Games Qualifiers – Round 3️⃣🤩
📍 🇬🇭 v 🇿🇲
🗒️: Friday February 23
🏟️: Accra Sports Stadium
⏱️: 5:00pm #MissionVolta🔛#ShineBlackQueens ✨🇬🇭 pic.twitter.com/REKQWfM1E5
— Ghana Women National Teams 🇬🇭 (@GhanaWNT) February 16, 2024
Since arriving to steer the Queens’ ship, visionary coach Nora Hauptle has utterly transformed their fortunes.
Under Hauptle’s watch, the Queens have been dazzling, scoring a bountiful 34 goals in just 11 matches while conceding a miserly two.
Their exciting performances have yielded 10 wins from eleven as Hauptle has the Queens firing on all cylinders.
Black Queens coach Nora Häuptle has a win rate of 91% so far.
As the team gears up for the Olympic Qualifiers against Zambia, @Bill_Eshun compares her record to other Ghanaian coaches in the last five years.#3Sports pic.twitter.com/SSM1OrpdCO
— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) February 23, 2024
While receiving deserved plaudits, Hauptle has been quick to laud her talented players for simplifying her task.
With an eye for talent, courageous leadership, and a blend of youth and experience, Hauptle has proven to be the perfect pilot to guide the Queens’ redemption.
True to form, Hauptle’s latest roster was devoid of major surprises, opting for trusted performers who have sparked the Queens’ revival. But one name generated buzz – Charlton’s social media sensation Freda Ayisi.
Meet Freda Ayisi, the newest member of the Black Queens, showcasing her bag of tricks. pic.twitter.com/fD2KjmpwTG
— Isaac Justice Bediako (@ike_official1) February 17, 2024
The talented young midfielder broke the internet with her silky skills back in 2022. Now she has earned her chance to bring her vivacious flair to the national team.
Another potential debutant is Mafia Nyame, whose electric performances on the wings for Morocco’s AS FAR Rabat have demanded Hauptle’s attention.
Nyame could provide a thrilling glimpse into the future as veterans like Jennifer Cudjoe offer valuable experience in midfield.
However, talismanic keeper Cynthia Konlan’s absence is a blow, leaving newcomer Victoria Adjei with big gloves to fill. But with defensive warrior Portia Boakye marshalling the backline, they have the tools to forge on.
The stars have aligned, and come February 23rd, the Black Queens must summon every ounce of their courage and quality to keep the dream of qualifying for a first Olympics alive.
With momentum on their side, these remarkable women seem poised for greatness once more.