Black Queens coach Nora Hauptle is eagerly anticipating a delightful Christmas following Ghana’s qualification for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
Despite a 1-0 loss to Namibia that ended their unbeaten streak under the Swiss tactician, the Black Queens secured their return to the continental showpiece after missing the last edition, winning 3-2 on aggregate with a 3-1 victory in the first leg in Accra.
Addressing reporters, Hauptle, who had previously secured 10 consecutive wins, expressed her excitement about the qualification.
She remarked, “We had a pretty good start to the game, created a lot of chances. We knew that we could hurt them on the wings.”
Hauptle acknowledged missed opportunities in the second half but emphasized the significance of the qualification.
Nora Hauptle in tears after leading the Black Queens to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Ghana will compete with the continent’s best next year in Morocco after failing to qualify for the previous edition. pic.twitter.com/Zku9DrVDSd
— Owuraku Ampofo (@_owurakuampofo) December 5, 2023
“Ghana is back in the WAFCON, and we’re hungry and willing to play there. The players deserve it. It’s been a long time for the Black Queens, and for some young players, it will be their first time. I’m proud of this year; we won 10 out of 11 games, and I think we can have a nice Christmas,” she added.
Hauptle is proud of her team’s achievements this year, having won 10 out of 11 matches. She believes that the Black Queens are ready to make an impact at the WAFCON tournament, which includes record champions Nigeria and Zambia among other teams.