2026 WAFCON: Likely Black Queens starting XI against Cape Verde

Head coach Kim Lars Bjorgekren is expected to field his strongest lineup as the Black Queens face Cape Verde in their opening match of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The team is placed in Group D and will play Cape Verde on July 29, 2026, before taking on Cameroon and Mali in subsequent fixtures.

Regarding the starting XI, the core of the squad that featured in the previous edition of the tournament is expected to play key roles once again.

WAFCON 2026: Black Queens ready for opener against Cape Verde after final training session

Experienced goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan is tipped to start between the posts. In defense, skipper Portia Boakye and Susan Ama Duah will occupy the centre-back positions.

They will be supported by Josephine Bonsu at right-back and Comfort Yeboah at left-back to complete the backline.

In midfield, Jennifer Cudjoe will sit at the base to provide defensive cover and composure, while Grace Asantewaa will operate centrally in a box-to-box role, dictating the tempo. Stella Nyamekye is expected to play as the creative playmaker, linking midfield with attack.

Coach Lars is likely to stick with his trusted front three: Alice Kusi on the right wing, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah on the left, and Doris Boaduwaa leading the line as centre forward.

Black Queens Probable Starting XI:

Goalkeeper: Cynthia Konlan Fiindib (FC Samartex Ladies)

Defenders: Portia Boakye (TP Mazembe), Susan Ama Duah (Racing Power), Comfort Yeboah (DUX Logroño), Josephine Bonsu (Carl Zeiss Jena)

Midfielders: Grace Asantewaa (FC Juárez), Jennifer Cudjoe (Brooklyn FC), Stella Nyamekye (FC Brann)

Forwards: Alice Kusi (Al Ahli), Doris Boaduwaa (Hapoel Katamon), Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah (Nottingham Forest)

SB/JKB

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