Football in Ghana has long been synonymous with men’s football, particularly the famed Black Stars. However, recent performances have shone a spotlight on the success of Ghana’s female football teams. The turnout at Cape Coast during the African Games highlighted the nation’s love for its female teams [Back Queens, Black Princesses and Black Maidens].
With the growing support and exceptional performances, the question arises: Should authorities now consider granting women’s football the same level of attention and spotlight as the men’s team?
In recent years, Ghana’s female football team have been making remarkable strides on the international stage. The performance comparison between the men’s and the women’s teams reveals a compelling narrative of success and potential within Ghana’s women’s football. While the Black Stars have a storied history, the recent achievements of the female teams underscore a new era of prominence and excellence in women’s football.
Over the past five years, the Black Queens and Black Princesses have achieved notable success in African football, showcasing their talent and competitiveness on the continental stage. The Black Queens occupies the 64th spot in World football and finished fourth best on the continental ranking table behind Nigeria, South Africa and Morocco.
New Era, a Breathe of Success
Under the direction of the new head coach Nora Hauptle, the Black Queens have enjoyed a great deal of winning streak. In 2023, they won 11 out of 11 matches, the defeat was their final match of the calendar year, an AWCON qualifier against Namibia. It marked the only occasion they failed to score under the Swiss.
Their winning streak started with a 3-0 win over Benin in a friendly match and another win over Namibia in the final of the WAFCON qualifier. In the 12 games supervised by Nora Hauptle, the Black Queens have only suffered one defeat, which came in the recent match against Namibia.
Despite this setback, Hauptle led the team to a significant win in achieving Ghana’s first qualification to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nation (WAFCON) since 2018. The Black Queens finished the year as the team with the most wins, the team with the longest winning streak and the team with the fewest goals conceded.
The Black Princesses have qualified for the FIFA U- 20 Women’s World Cup, their 7th participation in this prestigious tournament. It highlights their consistency, competitiveness and commitment. At the 13th African Games, the Black Princesses reached the finals after beating Senegal by 3-1 and went on to win the final match against Nigeria by 2-1 adding to the success they have had over the years.
Prior to the African Games success, the Black Princesses urged out Nigeria in the finals of the WAFU Zone B Women’s Cup. They beat their neighbours 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 stalemate in regular time.
Meanwhile, under Yussif Basigi, the team is yet to lose a match after 17 games. They have collected 15 draws and 2 draws while winning the two aforementioned trophies and qualifying for the World Cup as well.
The Black Stars have historically been Ghana’s most celebrated football team, with appearances at multiple FIFA World cups and notable achievements in continental competitions. But the female teams including the Black Queens and various youth squads have been steadily gaining international recognition with good performances in regional and global tournaments.
Men’s football has traditionally captured a larger crowd and large media coverage, sponsorships and fan engagement in Ghana. Recent events such as the African Games demonstrated a significant turnout and passionate support for the women teams, showcasing a growing interest for the women’s game among Ghanaian fans.
Why now is the time to do more for Women’s Football
Whiles men’s football has historically received more investments and infrastructure support, grassroots initiatives in women’s football is now also expanding. Efforts have been increased in recent times towards creating equity in terms of talent nurturing and giving opportunities. This led to the establishment of an U-15 Girls team to nurture talents from a young age and create pathways for success. The improved performance of the female teams gives the need for increased investments, resources, and development programs to elevate women’s football in Ghana.
Investing more in Women’s football in Ghana is now more than justifiable. It is a necessity. The women’s teams have been bringing the joy that has long elude the nation due to the chronic failures of the nation’s beloved Black Stars. Aside from the Black Maidens who are serving a two-year FIFA ban meaning they were unable to enter the qualifiers for the 2024 Women’s World Cup, their senior colleagues have not failed to treat the about 34 million Ghanaians to excitement during games.
So there now more than ever a compelling narrative supporting the need to shift attention and resources towards promoting and advancing women’s football in the country. A narrative not influenced by media propaganda or political promises but one based on evidence from the field of play. The successes of the female teams not only secure greater visibility but also opens more opportunities for talents within Ghana.
The recent support and interest in women’s football is a clarion call to authorities, sponsors, and stakeholders to take the women’s game to a new height. By providing equal opportunities, investments and exposure to women’s football, Ghana can create a more inclusive and equitable sporting landscape that celebrates the achievements and contributions of the female teams.
Now to sing Go Go Black Queens Go…
Ghana basks in the glory of the recent successes of its female national teams, it is time to deeply reflect on the reasons why there is a surge in popularity of its female teams. These teams have obviously suffered in the dark under the shadow of the highly-pampered Black Stars but even in their neglect, they have never given up. Tireless and timeless, they have remained resolute and committed to projecting the Red, Gold and Green.
If the nation ever wanted a reason to shift focus, this is the perfect time to do it. We have more than a reason, it is evidence in 4k. Winning football matches and entertaining the supporters are the two basic goals of every football team. The women have provided that in multiples in recent times. The fans love it and have been turning up in their numbers to cheer them on.
Aside from the junior male national teams, there is no comparison between which of the teams are better and deserving of more support now. Now is the time to focus towards empowering and elevating women’s football in the nation. By giving women’s football equitable recognition as the men’s football, Ghana can sustain a more diverse, inclusive and thriving football culture that celebrates the talent, passion and dedication of it’s female teams.