Black Queens’ Friendlies Against Senegal and Tunisia in Doubt Over $40,000 Funding Gap
Black Queens’ Friendlies Against Senegal and Tunisia in Doubt Over $40,000 Funding Gap
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The Black Queens’ preparation for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) has hit a major roadblock, as their scheduled international friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia face cancellation due to a lack of funding. Both the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MoYS) and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) have been unable to secure the $40,000 needed for the games, according to JoySports sources.
The matches, planned for the November international window, were crucial for head coach Nora Häuptle to assess the team’s readiness for the upcoming WAFCON in Morocco. However, financial constraints have stalled arrangements, casting doubt on whether the fixtures will happen.
Reports indicate that the $40,000 budget was intended to cover logistical costs for both matches. The GFA, already constrained financially, could not provide the amount, and the Sports Ministry has yet to approve the funding request.
This development has left the Black Queens in a frustrating position. The team has not played a match since a friendly against Japan in July, a gap that coach Häuptle hoped to fill with these games as part of the team’s preparation.
The Black Queens’ qualification for WAFCON earlier this year, after a decisive win over Namibia, marked their return to the continental tournament for the first time since 2018. Ghana has been drawn into a challenging group with defending champions South Africa, Tanzania, and Mali.
The absence of competitive friendlies could significantly affect the team’s readiness, with both players and technical staff expressing concerns about their preparation for the high-stakes tournament.
