“WAFCON 2024: Black Queens Will Advance Despite Slow Start – Sannie Daara”

WAFCON 2024: Sannie Daara Confident Black Queens Will Advance Despite South Africa Defeat
Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Communications Director, Ibrahim Sannie Daara, has voiced his strong belief in the Black Queens’ potential to qualify for the next round of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), despite their opening loss. Ghana’s national women’s football team started their WAFCON campaign with a challenging 2-0 defeat to defending champions South Africa on Monday, but all hope is far from lost.

With two group stage matches still ahead, Sannie Daara remains optimistic that Ghana’s women’s team can bounce back and secure progression from Group C. Speaking to Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, the respected football administrator shared his thoughts on the team’s performance and future prospects.
“I believe the Black Queens will qualify for the next round of the competition,” Sannie Daara confidently stated.
Ghana’s WAFCON Group Stage Journey: What’s Next?
The Black Queens, now at the bottom of Group C with zero points, are preparing for a must-win match against Mali today, July 11, 2024, at the Stade Municipal de Berkane. Kick-off is scheduled for 16:00 GMT, and fans are eagerly anticipating a strong response from the team following their initial setback.
Led by Swedish coach Kim Lars Björkegren, the Black Queens have shown significant improvement over the past year, and this tournament presents a valuable opportunity to showcase their development on a continental stage. After facing Mali, Ghana will wrap up their group stage matches with a fixture against Tanzania on Monday, which could prove to be a decisive match in determining qualification.
Why Sannie Daara Believes in the Black Queens
Sannie Daara, who now serves as a Senior Media Officer at the Confederation of African Football (CAF), emphasized the importance of maintaining belief in the team. According to him, the Black Queens have the talent and determination to recover from the South Africa loss and secure the results needed in their next two games.

His experience in African football, both at the national and continental level, adds weight to his predictions. Daara also pointed out that opening game losses are not uncommon in major tournaments and should not be seen as the end of the road, especially when the group stage format allows room for recovery.
Call for Greater Investment in Women’s Football
Beyond the immediate tournament, Sannie Daara used the platform to make a passionate appeal for increased investment in women’s football in Ghana. He urged the government of Ghana to collaborate more closely with the GFA to develop the women’s game through strategic and long-term partnerships.
“I will urge the government to help invest in women’s football by partnering with the Ghana Football Association,” he said.

He stressed that consistent funding, infrastructural development, and promotion of grassroots women’s football are essential if Ghana wants to compete consistently at the highest level in Africa and beyond. Such investment, he noted, is not only necessary for the current generation of players but also for the future of women’s football in Ghana.
Black Queens Aim to Make a Statement
Today’s match against Mali is more than just a game—it’s a chance for the Black Queens to reaffirm their standing as one of Africa’s historically dominant women’s football teams. Ghana has a strong legacy in WAFCON, although recent years have seen mixed results. A win against Mali would revive their hopes of progressing and restore confidence among fans and stakeholders.
Coach Björkegren has already hinted at tactical adjustments following the South Africa defeat. The squad will need to demonstrate better organization, sharper attacking play, and improved finishing if they are to turn their campaign around.
The Road Ahead in Group C
Group C of the 2024 WAFCON is proving to be competitive, with South Africa expected to top the group. However, second place is still up for grabs, and with positive results against Mali and Tanzania, Ghana can still secure one of the top two spots or even qualify as one of the best third-placed teams, depending on other group outcomes.
As fans rally behind the Black Queens, the team knows what is at stake. With the backing of key voices like Ibrahim Sannie Daara and the passion of Ghanaian supporters, there’s hope that the Queens can turn things around and make a deep run in this year’s tournament.
Hope Still Alive for Black Queens at WAFCON 2024

While the journey began with a setback, the Black Queens have two more opportunities to rewrite the narrative at WAFCON 2024. With the unwavering belief of experts like Sannie Daara and growing support for women’s football in Ghana, the stage is set for a spirited comeback. All eyes will be on today’s match as Ghana looks to reignite their campaign and continue their quest for continental glory.