Two standout players from Ghana’s Black Queens, Grace Asantewaa and Portia Boakye, have been named in the CAF Best XI of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), marking a significant achievement for the national team after their stellar showing at the tournament in Morocco.
The duo played key roles in Ghana’s resurgence on the continental stage, helping the team to a third-place finish after a dramatic campaign that ended with a 4–3 penalty shootout victory over South Africa in the third-place playoff.
Asantewaa, who was instrumental in Ghana’s midfield throughout the tournament, particularly shone in the quarterfinals against Algeria, where her control and creativity helped the Black Queens reach the semifinals for the first time since 2016. The 24-year-old midfielder, who plies her trade in Spain, described the WAFCON as “a moment to make history” for Ghanaian women’s football.
Captain Portia Boakye also earned praise for her leadership and consistency on the left flank. A seasoned international with experience in Sweden, Turkey, and Hungary, Boakye provided vital support in both attack and defense, guiding the relatively young squad through tense moments.
Ghana had not featured any player in CAF’s group stage Best XI, but the team’s improved performances in the knockout rounds caught the attention of observers and CAF technical analysts. The inclusion of Asantewaa and Boakye in the tournament’s final Best XI is seen as validation of their contributions and a testament to Ghana’s growing strength in women’s football.
Under the guidance of Swedish head coach Kim Björkegren, the Black Queens overcame earlier disappointments and restored national pride with their bronze medal achievement, their first WAFCON podium finish since 2006.
The recognition of the two players has been widely celebrated by fans and stakeholders in Ghana’s football community, who see it as a step forward in the nation’s long pursuit of a WAFCON title.
With renewed confidence and rising stars like Asantewaa leading the charge, the Black Queens are now seen as serious contenders for future tournaments, both on the African continent and globally.
