Latest news with #BlackQueens
CAF
6 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Ghana coach Kim Björkegren: 'We're not favourites, but we can surprise everyone'
Kim Björkegren, a former coach in Sweden, China, and the United States, took charge of Ghana in early 2025 Ghana has never won the Women's Africa Cup of Nations despite reaching three finals (1998, 2002, 2006) The Swedish tactician is counting on tactical intelligence and team spirit to surprise the favourites in Morocco As Ghana prepares for the 2025 edition of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, all eyes are on Kim Lars Björkegren — the Swedish tactician leading the Black Queens into the continental showpiece. Appointed in early 2025, Björkegren brings with him nearly two decades of experience across Sweden, China, and the United States. The Black Queens, one of Africa's most respected women's football teams, have never won the WAFCON title despite their pedigree. Their best finish came in 1998, 2002, and 2006 — all runners-up positions. As the team heads into the tournament with renewed ambition, sat down with Björkegren for an exclusive conversation about his vision, challenges, and hopes for Ghana. Below is the full conversation: You've had coaching stints across Sweden, China, and the USA. What unique experience from those leagues are you bringing to the Black Queens setup? Kim Björkegren: I've coached in many footballing cultures, and I always try to take the best elements from each. In the U.S., the focus is on athleticism and transitions. In Europe, it's more about tactical and technical intelligence. I believe Ghana already has great technical ability. So, we're working on improving our tactical understanding and physical strength to make this group even more complete. What was the biggest motivation for accepting the role as head coach of Ghana's national women's team? The talent in Ghana is immense. The young players are particularly impressive. I saw a long-term project with real potential. Also, the opportunity to immerse myself in a new footballing culture was appealing. I'm really enjoying my time here. You're taking over from Nora Häuptle, who laid a strong foundation. How are you building upon what she left behind? We still have work to do, both on and off the pitch. Tactically, we need to be more organised, and fitness levels must improve. One of our long-term goals is to get our top players competing in stronger leagues. We've had very limited training sessions so far, but with every camp, we grow stronger. Ghana has a rich history in WAFCON but has not lifted the trophy yet. How much pressure do you feel heading into this tournament with such expectations? Ghana hasn't won the title, and the last final was in 2006. So we're not among the favourites. But I believe we can be a strong underdog. If we stick to the game plan and have a good day, we can beat any team. The Black Queens were impressive in the qualifiers. What key areas are you focusing on as the team prepares for the tournament in July? Preparation is crucial. We're rotating the squad, testing new formations, and evaluating players both locally and abroad. It's all about getting the best squad possible for Morocco. In your opinion, what are Ghana's biggest strengths heading into WAFCON 2025? Our depth is our strength. We may not have global superstars like other teams, but we have many good players. Like PSG's recent Champions League success without big-name stars, we can thrive as a collective unit. How would you describe the team's mentality and spirit since you took charge of the squad earlier this year? The group has a strong bond off the pitch, and that shows in training. There's still room to improve in fitness and intensity, but the team spirit is excellent. That fighting spirit will carry us far. You've coached in very different football cultures. How does Ghana compare in terms of talent, passion, and work ethic? The passion here is incredible. The players love the game. But there's still a need to educate them about what it takes to succeed at the highest level. With the right guidance, more Ghanaian players will break into top leagues. Ghana last reached the WAFCON final in 2006. What will it take this time to go one step further and win the title? It will take belief, hard work, a little bit of luck, and a clear game plan. We have to take it one match at a time and stay mentally focused. Are there any standout young talents in this squad you believe could make a major impact at the tournament? Definitely. Stella is already in the NWSL at just 19. Princess Marfo is 21, and Doris Boaduwaa, though slightly older, has the potential to be one of the tournament's top scorers. Watch out for them. You've had limited time with the squad. How have you adapted your style to get the best out of the players in such a short period? It's been a learning curve. We've had just a few full sessions, so I've focused on squad rotation and testing players in different roles. It's affected us in the short term, but it's necessary for long-term readiness. Finally, what is your message to Ghanaians as the Black Queens head into WAFCON 2025? It's an honour to lead this team. We're working hard to make Ghana proud. With your support and a bit of luck, I believe we can have a memorable summer together.
CAF
17-06-2025
- Sport
- CAF
'We're one family': Ghana's Adubea on team unity, inspiration and WAFCON goals
A key figure for the Black Queens, Princella Adubea is set to take part in another Women's Africa Cup of Nations with Ghana, this time as a leader within a squad that has come of age. The striker reflects on her role as a mentor, the team's evolution, and the influence of head coach Kim Björkegren, as Ghana sets its sights on a long-awaited first continental title. In an interview with she speaks about the strength of the group, her mission to inspire young girls, and a promise: 'to bring the trophy home.' With Ghana's Black Queens gearing up for the 2025 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, experienced striker Princella Adubea remains a central figure in the team's ambitions. A veteran of past editions and a role model to younger players, Adubea brings a blend of maturity, experience and attacking flair to the squad. In this exclusive interview with she opens up about the evolution of the Black Queens, the impact of head coach Kim Björkegren, and her personal drive to bring glory to Ghana. She also discusses how the team has evolved into a united force, her role as a leader, and what representing the national team truly means to her. Here's what she had to say ahead of the continental showpiece: : You've been a part of this Black Queens setup for several years now. How does this current squad compare to previous ones you've played with? Princella Adubea : First of all, thank you for this opportunity. I don't think the differences are that huge. In the previous squads, I was one of the youngest and had the chance to learn a lot from the experienced players. Now, I'm one of the oldest and the longest-serving, so I've taken on the responsibility of mentoring the younger ones, which I really enjoy. Ghana is blessed with a lot of female talent, and that remains consistent. What has the experience of working under Coach Kim Björkegren been like, and how has his approach impacted your individual game? It's been an amazing experience. He's very demanding, and I think that helps bring out the best in each player. Ghana missed out on the last WAFCON. What does it mean to you personally to be back at the tournament representing your country? WAFCON is the biggest women's football competition in Africa. It's always a great opportunity to play on such a huge stage, and I'm super excited to represent Ghana again. You've played in different countries and environments. How do those experiences shape your mentality heading into a major competition like WAFCON? It's always a great feeling to represent your country. Out of so many female footballers, to be chosen to play at such a big tournament is a huge honour. Women's football is loved by many, and we know a lot of people will be watching us. Q5: What areas do you think the team has improved most in recent months? I think the unity in the team has improved a lot. Most of us have been together for a while, and that helps make integration smoother when new players join. Q6: The Black Queens have not won the WAFCON despite coming close several times. What gives you confidence that this squad can go all the way in Morocco? I believe in my teammates and the work we've done in training. Our preparation, our coaches and our belief will push us forward. As one of the more experienced players in the squad, how do you guide and support the younger talents coming through? It's very important to lead by example through my work. I always make myself available to the younger ones in case they need support. We live together like a family, and sometimes it's hard to even tell who's new or old. Which teams do you consider the toughest opponents Ghana could face at WAFCON 2025?Every team at the AFCON has earned their place, so each game will be tough. But we have belief in ourselves and what we bring to the competition. Can you share what goes through your mind when you wear the national team jersey and hear the Ghanaian anthem before a game? I always want to give my best for the national team because I love Ghana and our fans are amazing. They deserve our very best. What specific goals have you set for yourself during this tournament—both as an individual and as a team player? I've set my mind to give my best so we can win the tournament. Whatever it takes to keep myself in top shape, I'm ready to do it. How important is it for you and the team to inspire young girls across Ghana through your performances? It's very important. When I check my social media, I see people who post about me and send encouraging messages. We definitely inspire many, especially the young ones who dream of playing for Ghana one day. Finally, what's your message to Ghanaians ahead of WAFCON 2025 as you prepare to represent the nation once again on the continental stage? My message is simple: keep supporting us, keep praying for us. We promise to give our best and bring the trophy home. Thank you.
CAF
05-06-2025
- Sport
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON 2024: Ghana Team Profile
How the Team Qualified Ghana secured qualification in convincing fashion, eliminating Rwanda and Namibia in the preliminary rounds. In the first round, the Black Queens overwhelmed Rwanda with a dominant 7-0 away win, followed by a 5-0 home victory—finishing with a staggering 12-0 aggregate. In the second round, they defeated Namibia 3-1 in Accra before narrowly losing 1-0 in Pretoria, advancing on a 3-2 aggregate score. TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON History The Black Queens are among the pioneers of women's football in Africa. They have participated in multiple editions, reaching the final three times (1998, 2002, and 2006), though they have yet to lift the trophy. Following a decline characterized by early exits and absences, the team has seen a revival in recent years, thanks in part to a promising new generation and increased investment in women's football development in Ghana. Players to Watch Princella Adubea The heartbeat of Ghana's attack, Princella Adubea is a fast, powerful striker with a clinical edge. She made headlines in the qualifiers with a hat-trick against Rwanda, reaffirming her reputation as a natural goal-scorer. A product of Ghana's top women's club Ampem Darkoa, she previously played for Spain's Sporting Huelva and currently plies her trade at Abu Dhabi Country Club in the UAE. Her smart positioning, mobility, and knack for converting half-chances into goals make her a major threat in the final third. At 26, she enters this WAFCON in her prime, carrying much of Ghana's offensive hopes. Alice Kusi The creative engine in midfield, Kusi combines playmaking and goal-scoring abilities. She sets the tempo, breaks lines with accurate passing, and makes timely runs into the box. She also netted a hat-trick during the Rwanda qualifiers, underscoring her impact in the attacking third. Now playing for Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia, Kusi is known for her calmness on the ball, ability to destabilize opposing defences, and precision in the final pass. The Coach Kim Lars Björkegren Appointed in January 2025, Swedish coach Kim Lars Björkegren brings extensive international experience in women's football. A Swedish league champion in 2017 with Linköpings FC, he later managed clubs in China and Cyprus (winning an unbeaten title with Apollon Ladies), and most recently coached Racing Louisville FC in the NWSL. A modern, demanding tactician, Björkegren emphasizes structured play, tactical discipline, collective pressing, and high-intensity transitions. He aims to instil a winning culture in the Black Queens, with a clear objective of contending for the title. Ambitions and Group Analysis Ghana will compete in Group C alongside reigning champions South Africa, Mali, and Tanzania. In this competitive group, the Black Queens aim to advance to the knockout stage and re-establish themselves among the continent's elite.
CBC
18-02-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
PROFILE — B.C. teen fosters sisterhood through Black Queen Collective
Idea went from text messages to supporting each other in real life Name Eden Belle O'Neill Hometown Vancouver, British Columbia. Age 17 Claim to fame How many of you can relate to this? You have this awesome idea in one of your group chats with friends. Everyone is on board, but getting that plan into action seems like an impossible task. Well, you can take inspiration from 17-year-old Eden Belle O'Neill. After meeting young, Black teens like herself at a conference in British Columbia in 2023, a group chat was started. The chat was titled Black Queens. It was a place where the girls could talk about their successes or their struggles, such as dealing with their mental health. The group didn't want the conversation to end or to just stay in the texting thread. So Eden, seeing the need for a safe place for sisterhood, took the plans from texting to reality. In 2023, she started the Black Queen Collective. The collective has hosted in-person, bimonthly meetups for Black teen girls to gather and discuss issues that affect them, such as mental health and positive affirmation. 'By empowering others, it kind of empowers myself and pushes me to do more,' Eden told CBC Kids News. What is the collective all about? Eden describes the Black Queen Collective as a sisterhood with focus. During regular hangouts and events, the collective shines a light on issues facing Black teen girls. Some members of the Black Queen Collective together at the launch event in 2023. (Image credit: black_queen_collective/Instagram) Eden and her group of friends and volunteers have hosted workshops on mental health with Black therapists. They learn about things like setting boundaries as young women. The group has also gathered to have skating events or take trips to local art galleries to see Black artists. It's intended as a shared, free experience for all who attend. Thanks to a grant Eden received in 2023, she's able to pay guests like professional therapists for their time. Eden's impact Both Alex Anokwuru, 17, and Raniya Reebye, 18, have attended the collective's events. After being inspired by Eden, they have even volunteered to help out. When interviewed by CBC Kids News, Alex and Raniya spoke of how welcoming the events have been so far. 'During [Eden's] panel discussions, the girls there seem to just open up and talk about personal problems or personal feelings,' said Raniya. 'It shows that the community she's fostered is super, super understanding and comfortable,' said Raniya. The Black Queen Collective has a deck filled with affirmation cards for members. Some of the cards read: 'I am proud of my heritage' and 'I am filled with confidence' and 'I radiate Black joy.' (Image submitted by Eden-Belle O'Neill) Alex said the fact that Eden is a teen girl running these events makes them feel more relatable to everyone. The Black Queen Collective 'made me feel seen,' said Alex. Raniya said that by attending Eden's events, she has become more in touch with her emotions. Highlighting an event where five Black therapists came to talk to the teen girls in the collective, Raniya said hearing her peers talk about emotions so openly was something she'd never experienced. 'You realize that a lot of things you feel like are your problems are actually everyone's problems,' she said. 'When you hear these girls like talking so authentically … you get to sit in a circle with these random people you've never met and all of a sudden you're talking about your emotions.' Raniya said it's helped her feel more confident in talking about how she feels. From conferences to awards Eden was invited to attend the National Black Canadians Summit in Montreal, Quebec, in early February. There, in a speech to attendees, she highlighted her work for mental health support for Black teen girls. In particular, Eden spoke about her experience in planning workshops centred around supportive spaces for girls to learn from Black female therapists. Eden Belle O'Neill, second from right, speaks at the National Black Canadians Summit in Montreal, Quebec, in February about her work at the Black Queen Collective. (Image submitted by Eden Belle O'Neill) Through her hard work, Eden was also the recipient of the Michaëlle Jean Foundation's Power of Youth microgrant in October 2023. With her successful application, the Black Queen Collective was awarded $5,000 to continue its work for Black teen girls in Canada. Former governor general of Canada, Michaëlle Jean, right, stands with Eden Belle O'Neill at the National Black Canadians Summit in Montreal earlier this month. (Image submitted by Eden Bell O'Neill) In an interview with CBC Kids News, Benazir Tom Erdimi, special projects officer with the Michaëlle Jean Foundation, said Eden's drive and passion for helping others are amazing to see. 'The Black Queen Collective is so important because [Eden] saw a problem and immediately went into solution mode and she decided to launch that nonprofit to facilitate events,' Tom Erdimi said. Eden's advice for kids like her As Eden prepares for university and hopefully law school, she plans to keep the Black Queen Collective going, regardless of where she goes next. 'I will take Black Queen Collective with me. It is a sisterhood and support system that can be transported anywhere.' As for her advice for other youth wanting to make an impact? She says to feel the fear of maybe not being good enough and to do it anyway. 'If you have even one thought that it'll impact even one person, just go ahead and do it.'
