Ghana’s Black Queens have received significant recognition ahead of the 2026 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards, securing nominations in the Women’s Team of the Year category, while captain Portia Boakye and goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan have also earned individual nominations.
The national women’s team secured its place among the continent’s leading sides following an impressive campaign at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, where Ghana progressed to the quarterfinals of the competition.
The Black Queens will face competition from nine other national teams, including African champions Cameroon, runners up Malawi, tournament hosts Morocco, South Africa and former continental champions Nigeria.
The remaining contenders are Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire and Mali, completing the 10 nation shortlist for the prestigious team award.
Cameroon earned recognition following their triumph at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where the Indomitable Lionesses emerged as continental champions, while the other nominated countries have also been acknowledged for their performances and contributions to women’s football across Africa.
Ghana’s representation at this year’s awards extends beyond the national team’s nomination, with captain Portia Boakye securing a place among the contenders for the Women’s Player of the Year award.
Boakye’s individual recognition follows her contributions to the Black Queens’ WAFCON campaign, during which she featured in five matches and registered one assist as Ghana advanced to the quarterfinal stage.
She joins goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan as the only two Ghanaian footballers nominated in the individual player and goalkeeper categories.
Konlan is competing for the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award following her impressive performances between the posts during the continental tournament, where her contributions helped Ghana reach the quarterfinals.
Boakye, however, faces formidable competition for the Women’s Player of the Year accolade, with Zambia’s Barbra Banda and South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana among the leading contenders.
Cameroon’s Marie Ngah Manga and Monique Ngock have also been shortlisted, alongside Morocco’s Hanane Ait El Haj and Algeria’s Marine Dafeur.
Malawi’s influential attacking duo of Tabitha Chawinga and Temwa Chawinga complete the list of nominees in the individual category.
The nominations represent an important acknowledgement of Ghanaian women’s football and the contributions of the Black Queens on the continental stage.
The 2026 CAF Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on Monday, December 7, in Lagos, Nigeria, where outstanding players, teams and other contributors to African football will be honoured for their achievements during the eligibility period.
