Black Queens Begin Training in Senegal Ahead of Friendly Matches
Ghana’s senior women’s national football team, the Black Queens, have officially kicked off their training program in Senegal as they prepare for two international friendly matches against the host nation. The team held their first training session on Thursday, April 3, marking the start of a nine-day training tour that forms part of their broader preparations for the much-anticipated 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which was previously postponed.
Under the leadership of head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren, the Black Queens assembled in Senegal with a full squad of 22 players who were called up for this phase of training. Notably, the training session saw the return of five players who had been excluded from the February camping exercise in Morocco. That training camp in Morocco marked Coach Bjorkegren’s first official assignment with the team, and the return of these players indicates a fresh opportunity for them to reintegrate and possibly secure a place in the final tournament squad.
The training tour in Senegal is part of a strategic buildup aimed at fine-tuning the team’s tactics, enhancing cohesion, and boosting physical readiness ahead of the continental competition. With just a few months remaining until WAFCON kicks off, every session is considered critical to ensuring the team’s readiness to compete against Africa’s elite.
Coach Bjorkegren and his technical team are expected to use this tour not only to assess player performance but also to experiment with tactical formations and team combinations in real-match conditions. The friendly matches against Senegal, scheduled for April 5 and April 8, will serve as a vital test for the Black Queens, offering insight into the team’s current form and areas that require improvement.
Senegal, known for their strong and physically competitive women’s team, presents a solid challenge for the Black Queens. These back-to-back friendlies will give Ghana a valuable opportunity to measure their progress against a quality opponent while also helping the players adapt to playing away from home—an experience they are likely to face during the upcoming WAFCON tournament.
The mood within the camp is reported to be positive, with players expressing excitement about the opportunity to prove themselves and make a case for selection ahead of the tournament. For the returning players in particular, this camp is a second chance to impress the coaching staff and reestablish their importance within the squad.
As the Black Queens continue their preparations, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has reiterated its commitment to supporting the team with the necessary resources to ensure a successful campaign. The association sees these friendlies as a critical component of the team’s roadmap to achieving success at WAFCON.
In the coming days, focus will shift to the actual matches, where fans and stakeholders will be keen to see how the team performs under the guidance of their new head coach. The outcome of these friendlies could provide a strong indication of Ghana’s readiness and potential heading into the continental showdown.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0