Old Tafo Member of Parliament Vincent Ekow Assafuah believes the Black Queens’ historic friendly against England at St. Mary’s Stadium, Southampton offers the perfect opportunity to give new and fringe players a chance to prove themselves.

Speaking to Peace FM, Assafuah stressed the importance of building a squad that extends beyond the usual starters, especially with the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on the horizon.

Why Squad Depth Matters

Assafuah explained that tournaments demand resilience and flexibility:

“Because we are going to a tournament we should be able to try the new players on Tuesday. You know how a tournament is — it is a month-long tournament. You can get one or two key players having an injury, one or two can also get a red card. In the absence of them, what happens to the team?”

He warned that failing to plan for such scenarios could destabilize the squad:

“Normally, if you don’t plan for the team it destabilizes the team. So I think because it is a friendly match on Tuesday we should be able to try the new players to see that in the absence of the original eleven starting lineup… can we also have a way of having a replacement for them.”

Match Context


  • Fixture: England vs Ghana (International Friendly)

  • Venue: St. Mary’s Stadium, Southampton

  • Kickoff: Tuesday, December 2, 2025 – 19:00 GMT

  • Significance: First-ever meeting between the two nations, serving as a crucial test for Ghana’s preparations ahead of WAFCON.

Assafuah’s comments highlight a broader theme in Ghanaian football: the need to balance experience with experimentation, ensuring the Black Queens have the depth to withstand the demands of major tournaments.