Ghana’s senior women’s national team, Black Queens, will take on Benin in an international friendly match today as part of their build-up to the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

The game forms part of a triple-header of preparatory fixtures aimed at fine-tuning Coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren’s side ahead of the continental competition. 

It follows their impressive 3-1 victory over Malawi last Saturday, which is an indication of the team’s growing cohesion and attacking intent.

The Queens are expected to use the Benin encounter to further assess player readiness, solidify tactical approaches, and maintain momentum going into their final and most anticipated test — a showdown with arch-rivals Nigeria on Sunday, June 29.

Meanwhile, Black Queens winger, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, has reaffirmed her commitment to helping Ghana shine on the international football stage as she gears up for the 2025.

Speaking to the Ghana Football Association (GFA), the forward, who plays for London City Lioness in the English Women’s Premier League, expressed her desire to not only win games for the national team but also serve as a role model for the next generation of female footballers in Ghana.

“My goal is to represent Ghana and win as many games as we can,” Boye-Hlorkah said. “But beyond that, I want to become a legend for Ghanaian women’s football—someone that the younger generation can look up to.”

She highlighted her journey through European football as a source of inspiration for aspiring Ghanaian players and emphasised the pride she feels in wearing the national jersey.

“Personally, it's a big achievement to be going to a major competition, especially representing Ghana with the girls. Ghana is the motherland for me, and to represent the country on such a big stage feels amazing,” she added. “I’m just grateful for the opportunity, and I hope to wear the shirt with pride and make the nation proud.”

Passion to win

The talented winger, who scored the decisive goal that secured promotion for London City Lioness into the English topflight last season, pledged to bring that same intensity and hunger to the national team.

“When I wear the Ghana jersey, I’ll bring the same passion, the same desire, and the same focus that I give at club level. The goal is to win games and hopefully do something special with the Black Queens,” she affirmed.

Boye-Hlorkah’s inclusion in the squad comes as the Black Queens prepare to make a strong impression at the upcoming WAFCON, scheduled from July 2 to 26, 2025, in Morocco.