Latest news with #Kusi
CAF
4 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Alice Kusi: Black Queens' midfield maestro with unfinished business
Alice Kusi's name has long resonated in Ghanaian women's football, but at the Morocco 2024 CAF TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations, she cemented her place among the continent's elite. At 30, the experienced midfielder played a pivotal role in leading the Black Queens to a third-place finish, scoring twice in five games and producing a Player of the Match performance against reigning champions South Africa in the bronze medal match. A two-time WAFCON participant (2016 and 2018), Kusi was integral in Ghana's journey back to the continental stage. Her stunning four-goal performance against Rwanda in the qualifiers, including a first-half hat-trick, reflecting her enduring quality and eye for goal. With Ghana still chasing their first WAFCON final since 2006, her influence in the middle of the park remains invaluable. Bronze Brilliance and National Pride For Kusi, standing on the podium meant more than personal glory—it was about salvaging pride for her nation after a challenging tournament. Despite the early stumbles, the Black Queens bounced back, and Kusi's leadership in midfield was vital in the turnaround. "Congratulations to me and the entire team. Being the player of the match means a lot to me," she said. "We won the bronze medal for ourselves and the nation. I am happy we didn't go home empty handed... To be able to go home with a medal is great. I am really excited." She also took time to appreciate the overwhelming support from Ghanaians throughout the campaign. "I thank the nation for their support. I know during the group stage it was really hard for us... We were not just here to participate but at least able to make an impact. That is the dream and I am really excited for that." A Dream Beyond the Present Despite her accomplishments, Kusi remains fueled by ambition. Her journey through clubs in Serbia, Turkey, and now Saudi Arabia reflects her persistence and hunger for growth. But one dream remains firmly in her heart to one day don the jersey of FC Barcelona. "Every player have a favourite team. It was my wish to play for Barcelona," she admitted. "Where I am and where I want to be is a little bit far... I always stay positive. If it happens I could make it one day. That is the dream and I will forever be grateful." Her honesty resonates with young footballers across the continent. Even after more than a decade at the top level, Kusi continues to chase excellence, proving that dreams don't expire with age. Saudi Stint and Shaping the Future Now with Al-Ahli Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, Kusi is one of many African stars helping shape the rapidly developing women's game in the Middle East. While it's different from her previous stints in Europe, she sees promise in her current league and believes it's on a path to global relevance. "I know I am playing in the Saudi League. There is so much difference from the leagues I played before but they are trying to progress in women's football," she explained. "The field is perfect… You could see that we have a lot of Saudi league players in this tournament. This means the competition over there is strong… For the years ahead, the league in Saudi will be amazing." Her work ethic continues to inspire those around her. 'I think she is great,' said team official Seun Oyediji. 'She works like she is at least 25. The way she moves... very well deserved that she won the player of the match. We've been underdogs, but I think the future will be even better.' As Ghana looks ahead with renewed confidence, Alice Kusi stands as both a symbol of resilience and a reminder that the best may yet be to come.
CAF
11-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Ghana and Mali share the spoils in intense Group C clash
Published: Friday, 11 July 2025 Ghana's hopes of reaching the quarter-finals of the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations remain in the balance after a 1-1 draw with West African rivals Mali in a fiercely contested Group C encounter at Stade Municipal de Berkane on Friday. A goal in each half from Alice Kusi and Aïssata Traoré meant both sides walked away with a point in a match that neither could afford to lose, but will feel they might have won. After a disappointing 2-0 loss to South Africa in their opening game, the Black Queens came into this fixture under pressure and made a blistering start. Their early dominance was rewarded in the sixth minute when Kusi capitalised on sustained pressure to fire home from close range after Doris Boaduwaa's header had narrowly missed seconds earlier. Mali, who had edged Tanzania in their opener, looked rattled but gradually grew into the game, with their attacking trio of Saratou Traoré, Aïssata Traoré and Agueissa Diarra posing constant threats on the break. Ghana missed a flurry of chances to extend their lead before half-time. Boaduwaa, Kusi and Evelyn Badu all came close, only to be denied by a combination of poor finishing and excellent goalkeeping from Fatoumata Karentao. Mali came out of the break with renewed purpose and found the equaliser in the 52nd minute when Saratou Traoré's incisive through ball split the Ghana defence and was coolly slotted home by Aïssata Traoré. From there, the match opened up, with Ghana pushing forward in waves. Princella Adubea, Grace Asantewaa and Jennifer Cudjoe all went close as the Black Queens hunted a winner, but Karentao stood firm. Despite dominating possession and chances—particularly in the final 20 minutes—Kim Björkegren's side were unable to find a breakthrough, and now sit on one point heading into a do-or-die final group match. For Mali, the result puts them on four points and keeps them firmly in contention for a quarter-final berth, with their destiny in their own hands. Ghana, meanwhile, must beat Tanzania and hope for favourable results elsewhere. In a match billed as a must-win for both sides, it ended in frustration and uncertainty—but also showcased the grit and competitiveness that defines WAFCON's Group of Death.
CAF
05-06-2025
- Sport
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON 2024: Ghana Team Profile
How the Team Qualified Ghana secured qualification in convincing fashion, eliminating Rwanda and Namibia in the preliminary rounds. In the first round, the Black Queens overwhelmed Rwanda with a dominant 7-0 away win, followed by a 5-0 home victory—finishing with a staggering 12-0 aggregate. In the second round, they defeated Namibia 3-1 in Accra before narrowly losing 1-0 in Pretoria, advancing on a 3-2 aggregate score. TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON History The Black Queens are among the pioneers of women's football in Africa. They have participated in multiple editions, reaching the final three times (1998, 2002, and 2006), though they have yet to lift the trophy. Following a decline characterized by early exits and absences, the team has seen a revival in recent years, thanks in part to a promising new generation and increased investment in women's football development in Ghana. Players to Watch Princella Adubea The heartbeat of Ghana's attack, Princella Adubea is a fast, powerful striker with a clinical edge. She made headlines in the qualifiers with a hat-trick against Rwanda, reaffirming her reputation as a natural goal-scorer. A product of Ghana's top women's club Ampem Darkoa, she previously played for Spain's Sporting Huelva and currently plies her trade at Abu Dhabi Country Club in the UAE. Her smart positioning, mobility, and knack for converting half-chances into goals make her a major threat in the final third. At 26, she enters this WAFCON in her prime, carrying much of Ghana's offensive hopes. Alice Kusi The creative engine in midfield, Kusi combines playmaking and goal-scoring abilities. She sets the tempo, breaks lines with accurate passing, and makes timely runs into the box. She also netted a hat-trick during the Rwanda qualifiers, underscoring her impact in the attacking third. Now playing for Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia, Kusi is known for her calmness on the ball, ability to destabilize opposing defences, and precision in the final pass. The Coach Kim Lars Björkegren Appointed in January 2025, Swedish coach Kim Lars Björkegren brings extensive international experience in women's football. A Swedish league champion in 2017 with Linköpings FC, he later managed clubs in China and Cyprus (winning an unbeaten title with Apollon Ladies), and most recently coached Racing Louisville FC in the NWSL. A modern, demanding tactician, Björkegren emphasizes structured play, tactical discipline, collective pressing, and high-intensity transitions. He aims to instil a winning culture in the Black Queens, with a clear objective of contending for the title. Ambitions and Group Analysis Ghana will compete in Group C alongside reigning champions South Africa, Mali, and Tanzania. In this competitive group, the Black Queens aim to advance to the knockout stage and re-establish themselves among the continent's elite.
