The Black Queens have announced their squad of 33 players for the upcoming friendly against Japan, featuring two newcomers and six notable returnees, including Mukarama Abdulai.
This marks the former U-17 Women’s World Cup Golden Boot winner’s first call-up under current Swiss coach Nora Häuptle.
Mukarama made her senior debut at 16 under coach Mercy Tagoe in April 2019, scoring in the Wafu Cup in Cote d’Ivoire where the Queens finished third. However, her appearances dwindled after the Black Queens’ unsuccessful bid for Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games qualification, attributed to alleged fallout with the then coach and subsequent injuries following her transfer abroad.
Now fully fit, Mukarama has reestablished herself after returning to domestic football with Sekondi Hasaacas Ladies. She played a pivotal role in their Ghana Women’s Premier League title win and also led Ghana’s Princesses to victory in the 2023 African Games women’s football competition few months ago.
Additionally, the squad sees the return of five other players who had been absent from the national team: Wasila Diwura-Soale, Nina Norshie, Mavis Owusu, Adama Alhassan, and Victoria Osei.
Enter the first-timers
The squad also features newcomers Princess Dankwa Marfo, a 20-year-old forward from MLS side Bay FC, and Bridget Adu, a 24-year-old central defender who recently helped TUT FC secure both the Egyptian women’s league and cup titles in the 2023/24 season. Their inclusion marks an important step in their careers as they join the senior national team for the first time.
Coach Nora Häuptle is expected to prune the 33-player squad before the Black Queens leave Accra to face Japan. This friendly match – scheduled for Kanazawa Go Go Curry Stadium on July 13 – serves as a crucial preparation for both teams ahead of major upcoming tournaments.
Full list of 33 players called to camp:
