The Black Queens of Ghana aim to rekindle former glory in WAFCON return against defending champions South Africa.

Ghana’s Women National Team, the Black Queens will make their long-awaited return to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Monday as they face reigning champions South Africa in a high-stakes Group C opener in Oujda.

This marks Ghana’s first appearance at the continental tourhey since their disappointing group-stage exit on home soil in 2018. For a team with such a rich WAFCON history, the match represents more than just a return — it’s a moment of reckoning.

South Africa, who lifted their maiden WAFCON title in 2022, come into the tie as favourites but history suggests the clash may not be as one-sided as recent form might indicate.

Ghana has a strong tradition of making a statement against the Banyana Banyana in tournament openers. On two previous occasions — in 1998 and 2004, the Black Queens beat South Africa in the very first group match, securing 4-0 and 3-0 victories respectively.

Now under the guidance of Swedish coach Kim Lars Björkegren, the Black Queens will be hoping to channel that history into inspiration. Björkegren, who took charge in 2024, has overseen a steady rejuvenation of the squad, blending experienced heads with emerging domestic talent.

“This is a team in transition, but one with belief,” the coach said ahead of the match. “We know the challenge South Africa brings, but Ghana is a country with pride, and our history speaks for itself.”

The stakes are high. Ghana failed to even qualify for the previous edition of the tournament and are desperate to reprove themselves among the continent’s elite.

For South Africa, the task is clear: defend their crown, starting with a victory over a side eager to prove its relevance.

The rivalry between these two nations is one of the most storied in African women’s football. Monday’s clash will be their eighth meeting at WAFCON. Ghana edges the head-to-head record with four wins, while South Africa has three, and only one draw has been recorded between the two sides.

WAFCON Head-to-Head: Ghana vs South Africa

1998: Ghana 4-0 South Africa

2000: Ghana 0-1 South Africa

2004: Ghana 3-0 South Africa

2006: Ghana 1-0 South Africa

2008: Ghana 0-1 South Africa

2014: Ghana 1-1 South Africa

2016: Ghana 1-0 South Africa

While the overall tally favours Ghana, it’s South Africa who have had the upper hand in recent years. The defending champions arrive with a seasoned squad led by skipper Refiloe Jane and prolific forward Thembi Kgatlana, who scored five goals in the 2018 edition and was instrumental in their 2022 title run.

For Ghana, much will depend on how quickly the new-look side adapts to the intensity of tournament football. Eyes will be on captain Portia Boakye, a veteran of multiple WAFCON campaigns, to provide leadership and stability.

“It’s a chance to put Ghana back on the map,” Boakye said. “We’ve worked hard and are ready to fight.”

The match kicks off at 16:00 GMT and could prove pivotal in determining the trajectory of Group C. For the Black Queens, it's a battle not just against South Africa — but against the weight of expectation and the shadow of the past.