When Ghana’s Black Queens take on Algeria on Sunday in their opening match at the African Women’s Championship (AWC), it will be the beginning of another audacious dream of winning the tournament for the first time since they began competing in 1998.
For all these years, the Queens have been chasing an elusive continental title but have always been left disappointed. This time, however, Coach Yussif Basigi and his charges hope to get it right.
With the absence, for the first time, of the defending champions, Ghana and the seven other competing teams will have a go at the title. Added to the pride of being crowned African champions is the prize of claiming one of three tickets to represent the continent at next year’s Women’s World Cup in Canada.
From the zonal representation of the teams, this year’s competition will be a straight fight between West Africa and southern Africa. West Africa will be represented by six times champions, Nigeria; Ghana, thrice silver medallists; Cameroun and Cote d’Ivoire, who are making a second appearance.
South Africa lead the southern challenge with their ninth appearance, alongside hosts Namibia and debutant Zambia. Algeria will be north Africa’s lone ranger.
With their pedigree and unmatched dominance in the competition, Nigeria on paper start as favourites as they search for their seventh title, but Ghana, South Africa and Cameroun will all be eager to win for the first time.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons, champions from 1998 to 2006 and in 2010, battle Namibia, Zambia and Cote d’Ivoire in Group A, while Ghana’s Black Queens play Cameroun, Namibia and South Africa in Group B.
Tomorrow, the host team take on Zambia while Nigeria engage Cote d’Ivoire.
On Sunday, the Queens face their first test against Algeria, with the Ghanaians tipped to claim the three points in what could be a tough battle.
Coach Basigi is confident his players would battle hard to banish years of disappointments to win the continental title.
“Winning the tournament for the first time remains our main aim in Namibia, I must emphasise though that we will take it one game at a time. We are very ready for the challenge ahead and we humbly urge all Ghanaians to support us in prayers and in any other way they can so we can realise our dream,” he said.
He is expected to build a winning side around players such as Patricia Mantey, Rosemary Ampem, Cynthia Adobea, Grace Asare, Elizabeth Cudjoe, Mercy Myles, Juliet Acheampong, Portia Boakye, Agnes Aduako, Faiza Ibrahim, Leticia Zikpi.
