By Kwame Bediako
The Black Queens, Ghana’s senior women’s national team, have made significant strides in the latest FIFA rankings.
Following their recent international friendly against Morocco, the team has moved up one spot to 65th place globally.
This rise is particularly notable given that the Black Queens experienced a defeat in the match against the Atlas Lionesses. Nonetheless, their improvement in the rankings reflects a positive trend for the team.
In Africa, the Black Queens have improved their standing as well, moving from sixth to fifth place among continental teams. This advancement showcases their steady progress throughout 2023. The team has been working hard, and their efforts are being recognised as they climb the ranks, both globally and within Africa.
The FIFA rankings are currently topped by the United States, followed by world champions Spain, Germany, England, and Japan in the second to fifth positions, respectively. Within Africa, Nigeria holds the top position, followed closely by South Africa, Morocco, and Zambia, with Ghana now rounding out the top five. This competitive environment highlights the increasing strength of women’s football on the continent.
The Black Queens are gearing up for an important return to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, marking their first appearance since 2018. They have been placed in Group C of the tournament, where they will face off against formidable opponents including reigning champions South Africa, as well as Tanzania and Mali. This group stage promises to be challenging, but it also represents a significant opportunity for the team to showcase their talents.
To prepare for the upcoming tournament in Morocco, the Ghana Football Association has confirmed a nine-day training camp in Senegal scheduled for April. This camp will be crucial for the Black Queens as they look to enhance their skills and strategies ahead of the competition.
