Ghana's Black Queens made a resounding statement ahead of the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Teranga Lionesses of Senegal last Saturday at the Stade Lat-Dior in Senegal.

The only goal of the match came in the 24th minute, when Evelyn Badu rose to meet a pinpoint cross from Princess Marfo, sending a powerful header past Senegal’s goalkeeper to give Ghana the lead.

The strike was a testament to the Black Queens' attacking intent and precision, showcasing their growing cohesion as they continued to prepare for the continental showpiece.

It was a statement win for the Ghanaians, with their head coach, Kim Lars Björkegren, excited that his side are heading in the right direction, and the team will be looking to build on this momentum in their second clash with the Senegalese tomorrow, as they continue their preparation for a successful WAFCON campaign.

However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for Ghana last Saturday. After Anasthesia Achiaa was shown a red card in the 63rd minute, the Black Queens were reduced to 10 players, leaving them to battle it out with a numerical disadvantage.

But despite the odds, they exhibited remarkable resilience, holding onto their slender lead and demonstrating their unwavering determination to secure the win.

This victory marks a crucial milestone in Ghana’s preparations for WAFCON, with the team showing not only technical ability but also mental strength in the face of adversity.

The two teams are set to meet again tomorrow (Tuesday) in the second match of their nine-day training tour, giving both sides another chance to refine their tactics and assess their strengths ahead of the upcoming tournament.

Coach Björkegren, was full of praise for his team’s performance and progress after the match. "For us, there was one main aim: to win the game," he said, his excitement palpable. 

"In the first 30 minutes, we managed to score a beautiful goal, exactly how we wanted to play – a perfect cross, and Evelyn [Badu] scored with a great header from a number 10 position. I think we started the game pretty well."

Reflecting on the match’s flow, the Swedish tactician noted the contrasting styles of the two teams. "I believe we’re the better team when the ball is on the ground, but when the ball goes up in the air and the game becomes more physical, it’s a close match," he explained.

Björkegren also highlighted the physical prowess of the Senegalese side. "Many of the players are big and strong, and they play physical football. It's always difficult to compare two different styles, but when it comes to playing on the ground, I believe we’re the stronger team."