Ghana’s senior women’s national team, the Black Queens, signaled their intent ahead of next month’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a commanding 3-1 victory over Malawi’s Scorchers in a friendly match played at the Ziaida Complex in Benslimane, Morocco, on Saturday.

 

The result comes as a timely morale booster for the Ghanaians, who had previously suffered back-to-back losses in friendly encounters against regional rivals Côte d’Ivoire.

 

Despite going behind early in the 15th minute following a stunning free kick from Sani Tendai, Ghana quickly regrouped and responded through the brilliance of Doris Boaduwaa, who netted a sensational hat-trick to turn the game around.

 

Boaduwaa levelled scores in the 23rd minute from the penalty spot after Alice Kusi was fouled in the box. She added her second just eight minutes later with a powerful strike from the edge of the area following a defensive lapse by Malawi.

 

Her third and final goal came in the 83rd minute, heading home from close range after a dazzling run and cross from Princella Adubea on the left wing.

Head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren made strategic changes to the squad that last featured in Côte d’Ivoire, handing Nancy Amoh of Ampem Darkoa her first start and reinstating Adubea in her familiar right-wing role. The tactical shift proved effective, with the Black Queens showing fluidity, better organization, and attacking prowess throughout the match.

The Black Queens continue their pre-WAFCON preparations with another friendly fixture against Benin Republic—a late replacement for Botswana—on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, again at the Ziaida Complex.

Their final pre-tournament test will be a high-stakes clash against arch-rivals Nigeria’s Super Falcons on June 29 at the Lanouria Complex, in what is being billed as a “must-win” encounter for confidence and continental bragging rights.

Ghana, who missed out on the 2022 edition of WAFCON, will be making their return to the tournament with renewed determination. They are drawn in Group C alongside defending champions South Africa, with their opening match scheduled for July 7, 2025.

 

With Saturday’s emphatic win over Malawi, the Black Queens have not only sent a strong message to their continental rivals but also reignited hopes among fans back home that Ghana could finally end their WAFCON title drought.

 

WAFCON 2025 – Ghana’s Fixtures (Group C):

• July 7: Ghana vs South Africa

• July 11: Ghana vs Tunisia

• July 15: Ghana vs DR Congo

(Prompt News)