Latest news with #Tagoe
CAF
22-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Mercy Tagoe-Quarcoo confident Ghana can overcome hosts Morocco
It is difficult to talk about Ghanaian Football without bringing up the name Mercy Tagoe-Quarcoo. A former Black Queens player who graduated to being a referee before becoming the first female head coach of the nation's national team, Tagoe is a living legend. Her contribution to the beautiful game in Ghana and beyond will forever be present in history books and while she is no longer in charge of the Black Queens, her thoughts and wishes are with the Ghanaian side that takes on the hosts Morocco in the second semifinal at the ongoing TotalEnergies WAFCON 2024 at the grandeur Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Tuesday. The Black Queens return to the WAFCON semifinals for the first time since 2016 with one objective – a slot in the coveted final on Satuday, July 26 at the same venue. CAFOnline caught up with Tagoe for insight into this must-win fixture for the Black Queens. What should Ghana's tactical blueprint be to neutralize Morocco's possession-based style and home advantage? First of all, the Queens must apply high pressing in the middle third to disturb Morocco's possession base style in order to disorganise their pattern of play. The Queens must keep a compact mid-block by maintaining a tight defensive shape and also close down the spaces in between the lines. They must use their physical strength (Princess Marfo) and aggressive approach to disorganise Morocco's tactical and technical players. The Moroccan team has aerial deficit, so the Queens must capitalise on that whenever they win free kicks in the final third or even cornerkicks (set pieces). The Black Queens must keep their defensive line compact in order not to allow Moroccan players Ghizlane Chebbak, Ibtissam Jraidi, Najat Badri and Fatima Tagnaout to exploit the spaces. Doris Boaduwaa and Evelyn Badu have shown flashes of brilliance — how critical is their role in breaking down Morocco's defensive organization? As creative as Evelyn is in the midfield, she must use her passing and movement abilities to open the Moroccan compact middle block to create spaces in their defensive shape, and that will enable her to shoot to score. Doris is a dribbler and has the pace, so during transition to attack, she can stretch Morocco's defensive line and exploit the spaces behind. Ghana has had to fight hard to reach this stage after missing the last edition. What does this semifinal mean for the team's redemption arc and legacy? Getting to this stage for me is an important step of restoration of pride. It also symbolises RESILIENCE, GROWTH, and also announcing our RETURN to continental football. This is a remarkable redemption arc for Ghana's international Women's Football especially missing the last edition of the WAFCON. This will go a long way to inspire the next generation of female football players in Ghana. Having experienced top-level African Football, what's the psychological key to handling a partisan crowd and a host team in a high-stakes match? For me, I want the Black Queens to see that hostile atmosphere as a motivation. They should focus, keep mental composure, stay united, and stick to the game plan. They must block out that part of their minds from crowd pressure. Ghana is solidly behind them. Morocco has developed tactically since their WAFCON 2022 final run — how do you assess Ghana's preparedness to counter their evolution? Comparatively, Ghana is tactically sharper and more cohesive than the previous years, considering the (three) defensive structure, (five) midfield balance, and (two) attacking fluidness. For me, the Black Queens are well exposed to these high-level competitions, have world-class players who play in top flight competitions in Europe, so they are equipped enough to adapt in-game to match Morocco's tactical maturity and disorganise their rhythm effectively and efficiently. What would your rallying message be to the Black Queens in the tunnel before kickoff? Girls, this is the moment! Go play your heart out, believe in yourselves, and fight with pride! Block out the noise! Be motivated by the thoughts of your families, your pears back home, and Ghana as a whole. Leave a legacy, and let's make history! Go Queens Go Ghana! YES!
CAF
13-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Mercy Tagoe's tapestry of triumph: Weaving dreams in red, gold, green; the Mercy Tagoe way
Mercy Tagoe's ultimate goal is to use her influence to propel women's football into the global spotlight. And, why not? The Ghanaian football legend has what it takes, having gathered enviable experience throughout a distinguished career in the game. Her story as a celebrated coach is one of unwavering commitment to elevate women's football not only in Ghana but across the continent. And it all began on the pitch. 'During my time, it was African Women's Championship. I remember when we first qualified to Abeokuta, for the maiden edition. Seeing myself in the red, gold, green, black star was a delight for me,' Tagoe recalls of her playing days. 'It was a memorable day because growing up, it was my prayer that one day, I would don the colors of Ghana. It didn't matter where exactly I would find myself – just donning the colors was something I was seriously looked up to. And when you start wearing the red, gold, green, you become an ambassador for the nation.' The realization of responsibility didn't come until she stood among her teammates in national colors. 'Honestly, before I entered into the national team, I mistakenly saw it to be ordinary – until I got there. I realized that you have such a big responsibility on your shoulders. Until you get in there, you will never know.' Though Ghana has come close to the title on several occasions in the Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Tagoe admits the failure to win the title still stings. 'Winning the trophy is the ultimate. So, if you are not able to win the trophy, trust me, it hurts a lot. It's like your ambition has been defeated. But gradually, I believe that with good preparation and time, we'll get there.' Beyond the field, Tagoe's trajectory has opened doors and transformed her life. Her status as a national icon has given her access to high echelon environments, which has enabled her join an elite community. 'As a legend, the positive aspect is that you enter [places] without difficulties. People know you, greet you, and give you that much respect because of what you've done for your country,' she says. 'It has earned me CAF assignments; numerous ones in fact. I travel without paying tickets. I live in luxurious hotels without paying a dime. I meet people in high places, make friends with people I wouldn't have ordinarily been friends with. So, in a nutshell, it has molded my life. You need to be disciplined. You need to know how to relate to people.' These privileges, she admits, have empowered her voice and enriched her understanding of the world. 'I've learned different cultures and values here and there, and I've added them to mine. It has shaped my life. Football has really advanced, especially women's football, which has empowered us. Now women can talk; women can stand in front of people and express themselves, no matter where they find themselves.' Having worn the Black Queens jersey as a player and later led the team from the touchline, Mercy Tagoe-Quarcoo knows better than most what it takes to build a winning national side. With Ghana's qualification for the 2025 Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, she's more than just hopeful – she's confident. 'I'm very positive. Like I said, now we have every player in the Black Queens is a professional. And when you are a professional in your teams in Europe, and you are playing every now and then, it keeps you in shape. And whenever they come to Ghana to play, you see the professionalism in them. I believe that as we've qualified to Morocco 2025, we are going there to make an impact. I will not take anything away from them. Going in there, I will not be surprised if they bring the Cup. What they are doing is positive. And I thank God that we've gotten to that level. Every Ghanaian wants to see Black Queens winning the Cup. I'm a Ghanaian. I want us to win the Cup. And I believe in these girls that we have assembled. Thank God, almost every player on the field is being tapped by me. I mean, I selected them, and they've added a few professional players to them. And I believe what they are doing, trust me, they are going to make Ghana proud very soon.' Tagoe is especially proud of the strides women's football is making at FIFA, CAF, and national federation levels. 'Women's football has really come of age and I thank God that FIFA is really pushing hard. CAF is also pushing very hard. All the MAs (Member Associations) are also pushing very hard,' she says. 'Look at what [the Ghana Football Association] is doing for women's football – it's unprecedented.' 'And, given what South Africa did at the World Cup, and where Morocco and Nigeria got to; just a little push from our various MAs and CAF and I believe the World Cup will come to Africa very soon.' In recent years, the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has undergone a remarkable transformation – one that's winning praise not only from fans and players, but also from those working behind the scenes. For someone who has been deeply involved in the technical development of the game across the continent, this evolution is both refreshing and inspiring. 'I think I'll give CAF thumbs up and kudos. They are really doing something positive. CAF wasn't like this. And looking at what CAF is doing, trust me, the sky is our limit. I'll continue to urge my department, headed by Raul Chipenda and Meskerem Goshime. 'They are doing something very positive and I'll encourage them to do more. Tournament upon tournament, I'm a member of technical study group. 'And nurturing me and others, including big ones like Jackie Shipanga, Clementine Toure, Shilene Booysen, and Madam Fran Hilton-Smith. I believe CAF is doing something positive. And I'll urge them to continue. We will get there. We will beat the world and CAF will be applauded,' Mercy Tagoe said. Mercy Tagoe's legacy continues to echo far beyond Ghana's borders. Her journey is not just about past achievements – It's a living blueprint for the future of African women's football. For further Inquiries: communications@ CAF | Communication Department
