The countdown is on to one of the biggest events in African football – the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Morocco, this year’s tournament promises to showcase the rising stars, seasoned legends, and fierce rivalries that define the women’s game on the continent.

12 teams will battle it out not just for the trophy, but for continental pride and a place in history. Nigeria are aiming for a record-extending tenth title while South Africa want to defend their crown from three years ago.

For Ghana, the Black Queens are making a return to the competition for the first time since hosting the competition in 2018.

They return under the guidance of Kim Lars Bjorkegren, who picks up the reins from Nora Hauptle after the Swiss left following the expiration of her contract.

Ghana is in Group C for the showpiece, where they will come up against South Africa, Mali and Tanzania.

Ahead of the start of the tournament on Saturday, July 5, Joy Sports looks at five players in the Black Queens team to watch out for in Morocco.

1. Doris Boaduwaa

Fresh from an impressive debut campaign in Israel with Hapoel Jerusalem, the former Hasaacas Ladies forward will be looking to power her side to continental triumph. She scored 18 goals in her first season with the club, contributing to her winning the Women's Footballer of the Year at the 2025 Ghana Football Awards. Boaduwaa scored three goals in four games during the Black Queens' run to securing a return to the WAFCON stage. She scored a hat-trick in the friendly game against Malawi as part of preparations for the tournament.

2. Alice Kusi

During the qualification process for the main tournament, no player in Ghana's team scored more goals than Alice Kusi. The silky winger will be hoping to bring the spark to the national team following another successful season in Saudi Arabia. Her contribution to the team in the last few years has not gone unnoticed, leaving her as one of the players to keep an eye on in Group C. She is one of four players in Ghana's squad who have had a taste of the WAFCON tournament.

3. Jennifer Cudjoe

Despite being involved in the national team football over the years, this will be Jennifer Cudjoe's first Africa Cup of Nations tournament. The midfielder will be hoping to guide the Queens to a respectable finish in Morocco. The 31-year-old admits to the challenge of the tournament, but she is optimistic that the players will give their all to take Ghana back to the glory days.

4. Portia Boakye

As the lead of the team, Portia Boakye will be issuing commands to her teammates from now until Ghana bows out of the tournament. Since her appointment as the team's captain, Boakye has been an ever-present part of the squad, showing leadership and great defensive abilities. She was once on the scoresheet in the qualification process, scoring in the 3-1 win over Namibia at the Accra Sports Stadium.