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Nora Häuptle was unable to contain her tears at the conclusion. They were tears of happiness. Despite being a woman who has both played and managed at the highest level, her recent accomplishment with Ghana must be noted as one of her greatest successes.
The women’s national team of Ghana, also called the Black Queens, recently suffered a 1-0 defeat in Namibia. However, this loss was not significant as they had already secured their spot in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) by winning the first leg with a score of 3-1 four days prior. This marks their first appearance in a major tournament in six years.
While being hailed as heroes, Häuptle, the team’s technical staff, and players basked in the cheers of the Ghanaian fans in the stands, reflecting on their journey to accomplish this remarkable accomplishment. Despite their impressive winning streak, their path to success was anything but effortless.
One year ago, the team was unrecognizable and lacked identity, but now they confidently win games with ease.
“I am thrilled to have made it onto the team that qualified for the Wafcon and I am also extremely proud of my teammates,” states Ernestina Abambila, a midfielder for the Turkish team Hakkarigucu Spor Kulubu. “The Black Queens last qualified in 2018 when Ghana hosted, so it’s a wonderful feeling to be returning to the Wafcon.”
Most players share Abambila’s feelings. It doesn’t matter if they start, substitute, or don’t play at all. They are always willing to contribute when given the chance. The competition has increased, making it impossible for anyone to assume they will be called up.
Under Häuptle, the Black Queens train with gravitas and play with a twinkle. The Swiss coach, thanks to her people-management skills, has created a team culture that has every player on the same page. “She has time for every player,” says Abambila. “I have learned a lot of things on and off the pitch since I started working with her in the national team.”
In January 2023, when Häuptle assumed control, she began a process of revitalizing the team by replacing older players and building a new core from the Under-20s. As a result, the Black Queens have achieved consistent success, winning 10 out of 11 matches under her leadership. They have scored 34 goals, only conceded two, and kept nine clean sheets. They are also able to maintain control during games, create numerous opportunities, and persevere even when facing challenges.
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One of the most positive aspects is that Häuptle both instructs and learns from her players. Despite being 40 years old and raised in Europe, she is mindful of the cultural differences between Ghana and her upbringing and works hard to bridge the gap.
“I instill discipline in them, but they often express their appreciation for our strict and high expectations,” she explains. “However, I also learn a lot from their approach. Their relaxed manner, such as when they dance and sing before a game, teaches me a great deal. And sometimes, they even smile when they notice that their coach is not in sync with their rhythm.”
Women’s soccer in Ghana has faced a difficult period. It is surprising that, despite being a leading country in women’s soccer in Africa, Ghana has not yet won a major tournament at the senior level.
From 1991 to 2006, Ghana consistently reached the quarter-finals of the Wafcon tournament and came in second place three times. However, in recent years, they have only made it to the group stage four times and failed to qualify twice.
Ghana, previously bettered only by Nigeria on the continent, have fallen behind countries such as Cameroon, Morocco, South Africa and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and last qualified for the World Cup in 2007.
The nation consistently generates outstanding female athletes, many of whom are currently being scouted by top clubs in Europe. The main challenge for women’s sports has been a lack of funding. Despite the difficult economic climate in Ghana, most players in the Women’s Premier League do not receive payment. This is also true for those who play for the women’s national teams. In contrast, the men’s game receives millions of dollars, particularly for the Black Stars.
The Black Queens have had a remarkable 2023, but there is now a lot of pressure to meet high expectations. In February, they will compete in a two-legged final Olympic qualifier against Zambia before heading to Morocco in August with the goal of winning their first Wafcon title.
Häuptle thinks that this skilled team has unlimited potential, but they must be cautious of becoming too comfortable. Abambila shares her coach’s sentiment, stating: “Our initial goal is to advance from the group stage of the Wafcon. After that, we will reassess and move forward.”
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Source: theguardian.com
