Former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan has urged the Black Queens to approach their opening 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) match with confidence as they begin their campaign against tournament debutants Cape Verde.
Ghana will start their Group D campaign on Wednesday, 29 July, at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca, with the Black Queens aiming to make a strong start to their pursuit of a first WAFCON title.
Gyan, who was recently appointed an ambassador for Ghana’s national team and colts football, has thrown his support behind the squad and called on the players to produce a performance that will make the country proud.
The former Sunderland, Rennes and Al Ain striker used a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, to encourage the team before their first match of the tournament.
“Its another time to make the nation proud again. He wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Gyan also stressed the importance of maintaining concentration throughout the match while following the instructions given by the coaching staff. He urged the players to combine discipline and teamwork with confidence in their individual and collective ability.
“Just stay focused, stay confident, and follow instructions. With your quality, I know you will shine in your opening game for the motherland in Morocco. Go Ghana! Go Black Queens.”
His message comes as Ghana begin another attempt to win the continental women’s title, having yet to claim the WAFCON trophy. The Black Queens will hope to build on their experience from the previous edition, where they finished with a bronze medal.
The opening fixture against Cape Verde represents the first opportunity for Ghana to establish themselves in Group D. Cape Verde, meanwhile, are making their debut in the tournament, adding further significance to the encounter as both teams begin their campaigns with the aim of progressing from the group.
Gyan’s backing comes at the start of a demanding group-stage schedule for the Black Queens. Following their meeting with Cape Verde, Ghana will return to action against Cameroon on Sunday, 2 August.
Their final Group D match will be against Mali on Thursday, 6 August, completing a run of three group games in the space of just over a week.
The Black Queens will be seeking to navigate that schedule successfully as they attempt to advance beyond the group stage and challenge for the title. Their previous bronze-medal finish has given the squad a platform to build on, but the team will now be targeting a stronger showing in Morocco.
The tournament also carries importance beyond the battle for the continental championship. Ghana are seeking to use their WAFCON campaign to secure qualification for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in Brazil.
That wider objective will add to the pressure on the Black Queens as they begin their campaign. A positive start against Cape Verde would give Ghana an early opportunity to build momentum before facing Cameroon and Mali in their remaining group fixtures.
For Gyan, the key to a successful opening performance is for the players to remain composed, trust their ability and carry out the tactical instructions of their coaches.
His call for confidence reflects his belief in the quality within the Black Queens squad. He has encouraged the players to focus on the task ahead and take the opportunity to represent Ghana on one of the continent’s biggest stages.
As Ghana prepare to take on Cape Verde in Casablanca, the Black Queens will begin their latest quest for WAFCON success knowing that a strong start could prove vital to their ambitions.
With the support of former captain Gyan and a place in the Women’s World Cup in Brazil also at stake, Ghana will hope their opening match marks the beginning of a campaign that takes them further than their previous bronze-medal finish and closer to a maiden continental title.
