2003 Women's World Cup Preview - Ghana

Even though Nigeria is considered the best African women's soccer club, Ghana is making their second World Cup appearance. The Black Queens are also no stranger to big-time soccer having played in every African Women's Championship.

Stepping out of Nigeria's shadow has been on the minds of the Ghana club for some time. Ghana became the first African team to defeat Nigeria in last season's African Championship. With that win, the Black Queens could be well on their way to establishing themselves.

Ghana earned one point at USA 1999 and could be strong contenders this year behind Africa's best goalkeeper Memunatu Sulemana. In their win over Nigeria last year, Sulemana was named player of the match in recording the shutout. She made 11 saves in the team's 1-1 draw with Australia at the 1999 World Cup.

Alberta Sackey is Ghana's top goal scorer. She led the club with four at the African Championships in 2002 and netted that game-winner against Nigeria. Sackey is very familiar with the States as she is the leading scorer at Robert Morris College in Chicago, Ill. The junior led the club to a 20-1-2 record last season in the NAIA.

Since Ghana beat the almighty Nigerians, the club has discovered a new-found confidence. The Black Queens will certainly need all of it if they are going to surprise a few countries come late Sept.

PAST ACHIEVEMENTS:

-- 2nd - African Women’s Championship 1998, 2002

-- 3rd - African Women’s Championship 2000