Ghana deputy captain Jennifer Cudjoe says the Black Queens are ready to embrace the pressure of their decisive Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Group D match against Mali.
Ghana and Mali both have three points from their opening two matches, leaving Thursday’s meeting as a crucial contest in the race for a place in the quarter-finals.
A victory for either side would guarantee qualification for the next stage, while Ghana know they must avoid defeat if they are to progress.
Cudjoe, who plays for Brooklyn FC in the United States, says Ghana’s experience will help them deal with the importance of the match.
The Black Queens go into the game after losing to Cameroon in their second Group D fixture, making the encounter with Mali particularly significant.
Despite the circumstances, Cudjoe insists there is a sense of excitement rather than fear within the Ghana camp.
“Im excited and Im looking forward to it. Im ready and everybody is ready. I just hope that we show up and do what we have to do, Cudjoe said.
The deputy captain believes the experience accumulated by the players throughout their careers means they should be able to cope with the demands of a match carrying so much importance.
“Pressure is a privilege and I think as a player, weve been in a different stage in our career. Weve been in this place before, so I dont think theres a lot of pressure. But we know what we have to do and were going to show up on Thursday and give everything we can.
Ghana’s ambitions extend beyond reaching the quarter-finals.
The Black Queens are aiming to advance to the semi-finals and secure qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
That makes the Mali encounter an especially important stage of their campaign, with progression potentially keeping both targets within reach.
Cudjoe accepts that Ghana face a difficult challenge against Mali but says the team’s objective is clear.
“We know that we need to win. Thats what were going for so I dont think theres too much pressure. But we know that its not going to be an easy game as well,” continued Cudjoe.
The midfielder also recognises the expectations surrounding the Black Queens from supporters back home and elsewhere.
Ghanaian fans have followed the team closely over recent years, and Cudjoe says the players understand the level of expectation that comes with representing the country at a major tournament.
“I mean we hear all Ghanaians, we know they love us, we know they expect a lot from us. Theyve watched us from last year and years before and they know what we can do. So of course now seeing what we can do, its obviously a lot.
Cudjoe’s comments underline the balance Ghana must strike when they face Mali.
The team understands the significance of the fixture, but the deputy captain believes that awareness should not become an additional burden for the players.
Instead, she wants Ghana to concentrate on their responsibilities and produce the performance required to secure progression.
Both teams have collected three points from their first two matches, leaving little to separate them before the final Group D fixture.
Ghana’s defeat by Cameroon has increased the importance of their final group game, but Cudjoe remains confident that the players are equipped to respond.
For Ghana, the immediate target is to secure a result that will take them through to the knockout stage.
A win would guarantee their place in the quarter-finals, while the Black Queens must at least draw to remain in contention for progression.
Beyond that, the team has its sights on a semi-final place and qualification for the 2027 World Cup.
Cudjoe’s message is that the players are prepared for the challenge and understand what is required.
With the group delicately poised, the Black Queens now have one final opportunity to turn their preparations and experience into a result against Mali.
For Cudjoe, the occasion is one to embrace rather than fear.
Ghana’s players know the expectations placed upon them, but they also know the opportunity that awaits them if they can deliver when it matters most.
