Ghana Captain Jennifer Cudjoe Eyes Possible WAFCON Rematch with Zambia

Ghana Women’s National Team captain Jennifer Cudjoe has expressed openness to facing Zambia again at the upcoming TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2024, hinting at a desire to avenge their previous defeat in the Paris 2024 Olympic qualifiers.

Speaking during a media engagement, Cudjoe reflected on their last meeting with the Copper Queens, praising Zambia as a formidable opponent while also noting Ghana’s performance during that high-stakes clash.

“The last time we played them, you know, they’re a great team,” said Cudjoe. “It was a great opportunity for us to meet a powerhouse side. It didn’t end well for us, but I think we showed up. People saw a lot of Ghana that day.”

Zambia defeated Ghana in a closely contested two-legged Olympic qualifier earlier this year, dashing the Black Queens’ hopes of making a return to the Olympic Games. Despite the result, Cudjoe believes her team proved their quality and character during the tie.

As both teams prepare for WAFCON, which kicks off on July 5, Cudjoe isn’t ruling out a potential semifinal or final showdown with the Copper Queens in Morocco, and she welcomes the idea of a rematch.

“Yeah, if it happens, I don’t think it would be a bad idea to play them again, and then we take our revenge,” she said with a smile. “It would be a great adventure for both teams.”

Ghana has been drawn in Group C alongside South Africa, Mali, and Tanzania, while Zambia is in Group A with Morocco, Senegal, and DR Congo. The tournament format could allow for a possible knockout stage meeting, depending on both teams’ performances in the group phase.

Cudjoe also acknowledged the competitiveness of this year’s WAFCON, noting that every team will need to be sharp and take their chances when it matters most.

“This AFCON is amazing, it’s massive. It will help every team grow,” she added. “Whoever is prepared will win. Our team is excited, we’re learning every day, and we’re growing. It’s going to be a great tournament for us.”

With both Ghana and Zambia considered among the continent’s most exciting sides, a potential rematch would undoubtedly be one of the tournament’s most anticipated encounters.