Black Queens deputy captain Jennifer Cudjoe says the team is ready and excited for Thursday’s final TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations group match against Mali, insisting the squad feels no pressure despite the high stakes.
Ghana heads into the decisive clash knowing a win will secure a place in the quarterfinals, while a draw could also be enough depending on other results. But Cudjoe says the Black Queens are not playing for a draw.
“I’m excited and I’m looking forward to it. I’m ready and everybody is ready. I just hope that we show up and do what we have to do,” Cudjoe said.
The midfielder, who plays her club football abroad, dismissed any talk of nerves in the Ghana camp.
“Pressure is a privilege and I think as a player, we’ve been in a different stage in our career. We’ve been in this place before, so I don’t think there’s a lot of pressure. But we know what we have to do and we’re going to show up on Thursday and give everything we can.”
While confident, Jennifer Cudjoe is under no illusions about the task ahead. Mali has proven to be a tough opponent in past meetings, and Ghana will need to be at its best.
“We know that we need to win. That’s what we’re going for so I don’t think there’s too much pressure. But we know that it’s not going to be an easy game as well.”
Cudjoe also had a message for Ghanaian fans, acknowledging the high expectations but asking for patience as the team builds.
“I mean we hear all Ghanaians, we know they love us, we know they expect a lot from us. They’ve watched us from last year and years before and they know what we can do. So of course now seeing what we can do, it’s obviously a lot.”
Cudjoe said the team is aware of the conversations online and in the media but won’t let outside noise derail their focus.
“We see everything that they’re asking for, they’re talking about, but I don’t think we’re going to let it affect us that much. But also we hear them. We want them to know we hear them because we want to be the best.”
She outlined the squad’s long-term ambitions beyond WAFCON.
“We want to go to the World Cup, that’s my goal, and also definitely get to the final. So, it’s always good to hear the feedback from the fans, but also we’re going to show up and we’re going to prove to them that hey we’re here. It’s just a process. They should trust us.”
Ghana faces Mali on Thursday, August 6, in the final round of Group C matches at the ongoing 2026 WAFCON.
