Sportspeople from Ghana

"I remember countless times where I played barefoot or without shin pads and was injured many times, but if you love the game, you love the game. Football is everything, it’s part of my identity nobody can take away from me."

"We need more opportunities to showcase what we can do. It’s sad to see talent go to waste because of a lack of opportunities, but the fact that there is NSW African Women's Cup shows how much the game has changed. We have many girls of African heritage who are good players. A competition like this definitely opens up opportunities for those of us who have been working really hard and that's exciting."

"Abundance of water the foolish man must be taste."

"A river cannot flow into the forest without bringing down the trees."

"The roads you pass some people have pass already."

"Anything you want if you get, there is no beggars on the road."

"Ghana here we don’t have managers, they will watch you one year, two years, if you call the manager switch off, I want to go America, that’s where all the fighters are."

"Woman without no man is like a river without source."

"Empty calabash cannot sink in the river."

"When a vulture shake their waist, it is cover their sons."

"When a witch fly at night, something happens to the mango tree, you can ask the clouds."

"Bukom is my favorite food, I can’t leave Bukom. Even if I buy house in Legon I can’t leave Bukom, Bukom is my temperature."

"When the bush are destroyers, any animals cannot open mouth to talk."

"A dead lion is more than a dog is not dead."

"A monkey learn about the mango tree, they cannot fall down."

"A tsetsefly cannot listen to their teaching, is walking to the death man to go cemetery."

"A man can never be careful unless he buys a white shirt and a new car."

"I am not anybody in this country, I’m the big popular, I’m the musician, I’m the comedian."

"A talking plenty cannot let dead man hear you."

"Karl Lokko, he is my former trainer, he is not my trainer, I sack him, I’m big more than him."

"When I eat Banku I get more power, when I don’t eat Banku I can’t train. I don’t like drink."

"The lady, I love him, not as a sister, I love him, he is my wife, he will play number four for me. I have a goal keeper and two defenders, so he go play four."

"The only foolish dog, run after the flying bird."

"I want to go there and do my best with the team and go as far as we can because everyone would be watching our performance and for me in particular, most Ghanaians will be interested"

"We are not only here as representatives from East Africa, we are here to compete as well to fight for the crest and give our outmost best in the tournament"

"Initially, when I came here, I was not okay, it was a bit challenging, food and language and being in a different setting [which] is normal when you go to a new club outside your country. But as time goes on, I’ve got to understand things here and settled well"

"I want to go there and do my best with the team and go as far as we can because everyone will be watching our performance, me in particular, most Ghanaians will be interested. The focus is to excel and progress in my career ambition and get the Simba family happy, they’re very supportive and I hope not to let them down"

"Evelyn Badu is Evelyn Badu, I am Philomena Abakah, I'm not under any pressure to do what she did, as much as I want to do better which am sure and believe I can, her achievement is not what I look up to, I am more interested in what my team can achieve together, I can’t be what she did if Simba doesn’t go far in the tournament. The focus is the club, not individual accolades. If I get it, glory to God but there’s no pressure or competition to do what she did."

"We are not under any pressure. The drip we came to Morocco with should tell you we are okay. Everyone in the team is confident [that we can succeed]. We are not only here as representatives from East Africa, we are here to compete as well to fight for the crest and give our utmost best in this tournament"

"Personally, I’m not demotivated. We know the level of Women's football in our world. It’s getting the deserved attention now, so every opportunity should be taken. Hopefully, it gets better -- we played qualifiers not knowing what the reward will be"

"There’s a lot of difference between the football operation in Ghana and Tanzania. In Ghana, there is little or no support but the story is different here. Because of how passionate they are, fans here are even able to fund a club when they are embarking on a trip, that alone is motivating enough to fight for the club"

"For me, it’s always been an honor to wear the nation’s badge"

"It’s a dream come true"

"Everybody knows my commitment and when you don’t see results, it’s discouraging."

"The players will play your mind and whatever you’ve impacted in them so in a way, they are playing your thoughts on the field so I feel like I’m on the pitch through the players."

"Being the only female coach on the technical team it is an honour and a privilege but I also see it as a challenge to put in my best and to be the torch bearer for the female coaches in Ghana and Africa to know that we can also do it. I am going to put in my best as I’ve always done and make sure that I’m a good role model for the younger female coaches and the players as well."

"My message to my female players is that, it’s never over when you stop playing football."

"There are more opportunities in the game and not just coaching but if they want to be coaches, they have to be tough and very focused because we are in a man’s world. They need to widen their knowledge space, learn and acquire more understanding about the game and I feel they can overcome any challenge that comes their way."

"You don’t need to feel you are competing with the men but rather learn from them because they started the game before us."

"Keep your confidence high and be alert and you can reach any height you set your eyes on."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"Women's football has really come of age and I thank God that FIFA is really pushing hard. CAF is also pushing very hard."

"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."

"Girls, this is the moment! Go play your heart out, believe in yourselves, and fight with pride!"

"Block out the noise!"

"When you sleep, others will wake up and do it for you to see."

"Coaching is full of uncertainties."

"The future of of female football in Ghana and Africa is good and will be bright if only our leaders can do things right and go in for good sponsorship."

"No pregnancy has been recorded so far, the players are matured enough and some have gone through the ranks of the national teams and they know better. Some are married and if it happens that’s fair."

"Yes we play football, it doesn’t make us men."

"Sometimes you need to package yourselves well."

"In as much as we are crying or asking for gender equality, how you sell yourself is the same amount they are going to buy you. The way we dress, the way we mingle with people how we present ourselves in the midst of people, how we even talk, how we do things. If you package yourself well, your prices will go high."

"For women, when we are out of activity for a long time, we start bloating and that is exactly what is happening now."

"As a professional, you need to be ready for whatever happens in a game, so I was ready to step up for Ghana."

"We're confident in our abilities and believe we have an advantage over Morocco. They might be relying on outdated information about our playing style, which could work in our favor. We're ready to take them by surprise and make the most of this opportunity."

"We urge our fans to remain calm and supportive. We know they've been waiting for a win, and we're working hard to make that happen."

"Unfortunately, things didn’t go well as we planned in this tournament. We really fought hard to reach the goal but we couldn’t, but it's also part of the game."

"We didn’t start the tournament so well. But we held on and stayed faithful. We achieved what we wanted."

"The journey was not easy, but God being so good, we achieved our target."

"My aim is to play for Chelsea Ladies. I want to win the Women's Champions League with Chelsea Ladies."

"Women Football in Ghana don't pay."

"My mum was against my profession from the early stages, she said I won't give birth when I continue playing."

"My dad wa in support of what I was doing when I started from my early stages."

"The women's game is changing and football is growing so everyboy is putting in everything to get there."

"I’ve been preparing for this, and Ghanaians have been waiting for this moment."

"I would like to win this trophy and see my name in the history books of Ghana, of Africa, and even worldwide. I’m very happy, and I know Ghanaians are happy too."

"I'm extremely excited and proud that we've made it to this stage. Ghana has been waiting a long time for this, and we've mentally prepared ourselves for the challenge."

"We knew it was a do-or-die situation, and we rose to the occasion."

"We are not ending here. We are taking this mentality to the semifinals. I know for sure that we are going to win the trophy."

"I am very, very, very happy. I have been preparing for this. Ghanaians have been preparing for this. We had to kill ourselves."

"I want my name to be in the history books in Ghana, in Africa, and the world. I am very happy, and I know that Ghanaians are happy."

"It’s every child’s dream to achieve what we’ve done today. This moment is bigger than just football — it’s about belief, sacrifice, and pride in the Ghana shirt."

"This victory is for Ghana."

"We’re not done yet. We believe we can go all the way. Ghana deserves this — our fans, our families, and every little girl dreaming of wearing this jersey one day."

"It is my first WAFCON so being able to stand there, sing the national anthem with a proud chest, in that moment I was just thinking about my family, the people close to me, people that I care about and all of them watching me."

"I need to be locked in and give everything. I am grateful that it worked out today, so I am looking forward to the next game."

"Watching from the stands in the opener, I knew that if I am going to get a chance to come in, I need to do more, work hard and give my team the balance."

"I am super excited that I finally have played at the WAFCON. This is a dream come true."

"I am kind of sad of course because this is not the result that we wanted but I am grateful for the platform."

"Football has shaped me to find myself, my identity as a woman and as a footballer. It has taught me about life and how to embrace opportunities. It gave me an opportunity to go to college and because of that, I want to be an inspiration to young girls in Ghana. I want them to dream that it is possible to make it, to play with the best in the world."

"Football has provided me with a platform to meet important people and play with and against the best of the best. These are opportunities that I do not take for granted."

"Playing in the USA gave me the mentality to work harder than everybody else, to always be ready."

"So, I have always been working hard and waiting for an opportunity, and it has finally come."

"I give back to the community, to the young ones especially those that never had an opportunity to have mentorship. We give them boots and this alone can change their lives. We have so many partners that come on board to donate and this has been important to us."

"I love DC [Washington DC] because the people are very respectful, a predominantly Black community gives a feeling of home. You will see so many Ghanaians, Ugandans, Ethiopians basically, you will see people who are the same. People who will take you as a sister and make sure that you do not feel out of place."

"Being a Nuzest Influencer means a lot to me, and not only inspire young athletes to work harder but also help them take care of their body and stay healthy as well. Where I came from, I was never introduced to nutritions as much as a player, but when I had the opportunity to further my career here, I wanted to learn all that I didn't have in my country so I can help young athletes to understand how proteins and nutrition are important for players."

"I make sure I have enough protein, carbs, and healthy fat in all my nutrition. And constantly reminding myself of what to put in my body because the work we do requires us to be in good shape all the time."

"I would say trust the process, be able to learn about the product and what works for you. And also give yourself the chance to start something new."

"This is a dream come true for me. Representing Ghana at this level is an honour, and I’m giving everything for my team."

"We’ll fight like it’s our last game."

"I never felt that there were people who were going to fight for me."

"Having them gives me a sense of freedom, knowing that they are going to tell people to fight for what I have been craving for, and asking for. Things that I have not been able to say out loud as an individual player."

"Growing up as a young girl, it seemed impossible to do things that men do."

"Soccer is a huge sport and all the boys and girls play that. But in our culture it seems like it is only for men. My family and friends, everybody would be like You have to be in the kitchen."

"I never felt that’s what I was born to do. I could do more than that, so that is something that I always wanted to change."

"Soccer is not equal for men and women."

"Every single player, be it a man or a woman, does the same job. We put in the same amount of time, the same amount of work. They give everything they got on the field, and they inspire on and off the field. It’s clear that they have to be paid or treated in the same way."

"But in this world right now, it’s different. Men get everything they want, women get less. If we ask for more, it looks as if we ask for too much."

"It will be fair if women are paid the same, treated the same, respected the same and given the same platform."

"If you put soccer on TV, whether it is a men’s or women’s game, everybody is going to watch it. Young boys, young girls, they are going to watch it. So it has to be equal."

"I remember the days when they said We cannot break that cycle. I now feel like we can break that cycle. Playing soccer isn’t only for men, it is for all young players, boys and girls. I’m glad that things are now changing."

"When I was young, there were good players in Africa, but we didn’t see them on TV."

"I had no player to look up to, until I saw the 2011 Women’s World Cup. I saw Alex Morgan, who became my role model and inspiration, not just on the field, but also outside the field: believe in yourself and your ability even if other people don’t believe in that."

"Visibility matters because for me being able to share my story is one of the ways that we can solve problems."

"I want my story to make that change and make people see that if they put the time into it, we will be able to change players’ lives and have them to face life in different ways then I went through."

"I felt like this is where I belong. This is where I wanna be for so long and watching them play the way they played, witnessing that, I was like no, this is where I wanna be."

"Every day I wake up and it feels like I’m still dreaming."

"No matter how [much] people would say ‘you’re a good player, you’re a great player,’ you always wanted that validation for yourself, feeling like I actually did it."

"Where I grew up, when you’re a kid, everybody, especially the older people when they see you play, they call on you based on the player that they think best fits your style. When I was like, eight or nine years old, Kaka was my role model. I always loved watching him play for AC Milan, and Brazil. So, one day I was playing with the boys and I needed a name to play. There was this old man who was sitting right next to the field and he was like, ‘Oh, you’re like Kaka from Brazil.’ Pretty much from then on I was Jen Kaka."

"I knew at the age of thirteen that I wanted to be a professional player. Now growing up in my country, soccer is there but it’s not as organized as a club or, like they would do here (in the US). I don’t know, it’s fun, but also it’s not as competitive as playing club."

"There are still changes that need to be made to help women’s soccer in Ghana. And I hope one day I can help to make that change, help push it to be more professional, you know, it’s difficult to be seen (by scouts and agents) which makes it hard for them (women’s players) to get out."

"It was hard for me to make friends, and my English wasn’t that good."

"It was the craziest feeling I’ve ever felt. I wanted to be on the field and I had these little tears, you know, looking at the crowd, the way game was played. And I said, this is where I belong. That’s the words that came out of my mouth. This is where I belong."

"Sometimes I keep reminding myself like, How did this happen? How did this happen? You know, but I feel like it’s hard work and if you believe in it, and you have the right people around you to push you to work harder. For me, people see where I am now. But it’s not easy, this journey."

"“Reach out to teams like I did. Send a bunch of emails to coaches. It’s all about getting the chance, because for me, I don’t have an agent, and if I didn’t go to the (Sky Blue FC) tryout, I wouldn’t have ever had the chance."

"Other than that, model your training so your intensity and the way you think will be the same as the professional game. It’s a lot of sacrifice. There’s so many things you miss out on because you need to stay focused. But it’s going to pay off for sure."

"I've played football since I was very young, around four years old, when I saw the boys playing, and one of the dads of the other kids saw my mum and was like: 'Bring her down to the football that the boys do'."

"I am so proud to be Ghanaian."

"My first thought was … to make Ghana be spoken about in a very, very good light in women’s football."

"I hope I can add a lot more … not just goals, but assists, leadership and encouragement."

"My mum has always kept me with my roots, even though she's English. She's always made the African peanut butter soup and the fufu, and eating kenkey and Gari."

"I think we deserve the respect from African football."

"I want to give this continent so much respect, but I also want to gain it. The only way you gain it is by performing, by showing who we are."

"It feels like part of my roots. It feels like a big sense of home away from home. It's like my two homes colliding. Obviously am partly from England and I have half Ghanaian as well, so it's brought me closer to the motherland as I always say, my roots, the people. It feels amazing because everyone's really nice. Yeah, the girls are really welcoming as well, so it's really good."

"From the first day I was a little bit shy. I'm a shy person, but then straight away, I've never been in an environment before where everyone is genuine. Everybody's really grateful and shows positivity and they made me feel like I've been a part of it for a long time."

"Every time I touch the pitch, every time I play football, it's passion because I am filled with passion. I think everyone that sees me play, whether we're chasing the game or we're winning a game, I always have the passion and try and feed that energy from me to other people."

"So, when I'm wearing the Ghana jersey, I'll be bringing that exact same passion, the same desire and the same focus as well to win the games and hopefully do something special with this national team as well."

"It’s up to us as players to raise the standard."

"The support may not be there at the level we want, but when we show quality, passion, and competitiveness on the field, more people will take notice."

"We can’t wait for people to take us seriously — we have to make them see the value."

"We respect our opponents, but we also know what we bring to the table."

"It’s about staying disciplined and playing with heart. We owe it to our fans, our country, and ourselves to fight for every point."

"The future is bright."

"I’m really grateful to win this award two times in a row and to be the top scorer. This only makes me want to do more."

"I thank god for this opportunity to play in the CAF Women’s Champions League. It was a dream that came true and now I just want to achieve more."

"There's no pressure on me at all. Football is just a normal game, with movement and passing."

"I'm very much relaxed and looking forward to the match. Although, it is a crucial match there is no pressure whatsoever on me. I will do my best to help take my team very far in the competition."

"I'm not just the only player in the team, so I have to team up with other members of the squad to push the country very far in the competition."

"As a team, we are determined to give our best to win the match."

"We will make sure we raise high the image of Ghana."

"I don't have specifications, just have money. I don't want those old men who are rich; I want young rich guys. I want the money the young guys have. The boys have money. They ride the big cars in town like Benz and the others."

"We have mentally equipped ourselves for this game after undertaking the essential training, and we are set to perform on Friday."

"First and foremost, I want to extend my gratitude to the coach for the chance he has provided us, the younger players. We have gained a lot from the senior team members, and we continue to learn and develop."

"We want to do the best we can to win it."

"I am very happy, it is not just about my performance but the total contribution from the entire team. They fought for the badge and made Ghana proud. I am really excited."

"When I was coming on, I told myself even if it is for only two minutes I will make use of it and that is what I did when I was coming on."

"I can’t wait to play on a team that has been so successful over recent seasons and alongside incredible players I’ve admired from afar. I’m ready to work hard and embrace the challenge ahead. See you all soon!"

"I’m ready for this challenge."

"The team’s success and the players here are incredible, and I’m excited to contribute and learn from them."

"We are still learning and growing as well. From the Under 17 youth level to the Black Queens, I think there is a lot of difference between and I think the senior players especially Portia, Alice Kusi, Jennifer Cudjoe, Grace Asantewaa they are helping us a lot. They have been with us on and off the field so we are really grateful and happy with that."

"Training has been really serious, it's been very detailed, and we can't wait to start the game because we know how important this game is for us and I believe with the preparation that we would go far."

"Obviously, the fans would play a big impact in our performance so we pary that they have hope in us to pray for us and yeah, we will do our best to deliver."

"I have a huge desire to come back and play and to become even better than I was when I left. I’ve come back to stay, and I feel a great sense of calm and patience."

"It’s been a hectic year and a half, but I’ve learned an incredible amount about myself, become more mature, and gained a patience I perhaps didn’t have before."

"That’s why I also associate it with family and togetherness, and that’s what I need right now."

"I'm looking forward to doing my best every day on the field to serve the country."

"Not my finest tournament, but still a memorable one!"

"I’m grateful we managed to secure the bronze medal in my AWCON debut. I apologize to my fans for not quite living up to expectations I know I’m capable of more, and I promise to bounce back stronger."

"To those who supported me through the ups and downs, thank you for your encouragement and prayers. Your words kept me going, and I’m honored to have such a loyal fanbase."

"I’ll be back, and next time, I’ll make sure to bring the goals!"

"What started as a dream will now become a reality and congratulations to all of us."

"In the previous squads, I was one of the youngest and had the chance to learn a lot from the experienced players. Now, I’m one of the oldest and the longest-serving, so I’ve taken on the responsibility of mentoring the younger ones, which I really enjoy."

"Ghana is blessed with a lot of female talent, and that remains consistent."

"WAFCON is the biggest women’s football competition in Africa. It’s always a great opportunity to play on such a huge stage, and I’m super excited to represent Ghana again."

"It’s always a great feeling to represent your country."

"Out of so many female footballers, to be chosen to play at such a big tournament is a huge honour. Women’s football is loved by many, and we know a lot of people will be watching us."

"I believe in my teammates and the work we’ve done in training. Our preparation, our coaches and our belief will push us forward."

"It’s very important to lead by example through my work. I always make myself available to the younger ones in case they need support. We live together like a family, and sometimes it’s hard to even tell who’s new or old."

"Every team at the AFCON has earned their place, so each game will be tough. But we have belief in ourselves and what we bring to the competition."

"I always want to give my best for the national team because I love Ghana and our fans are amazing. They deserve our very best."

"Whatever it takes to keep myself in top shape, I’m ready to do it."

"It’s very important. When I check my social media, I see people who post about me and send encouraging messages. We definitely inspire many, especially the young ones who dream of playing for Ghana one day."

"My message is simple: keep supporting us, keep praying for us. We promise to give our best and bring the trophy home. Thank you."

"Sometimes you will lose, sometimes too you will win but I think we can build on the positives from now."

"As a footballer you need to be tough in everything so I will say I am thankful to God for how far He has brought me, I am so excited to be back."

"We don’t really care about their World ranking as I know we can match them. We are going to play as a team and I know at the end of the day we are going to achieve what we deserve."

"They are really doing a good job for us because at first people don’t even cheer female footballers but now they are all supporting us. We are always grateful, we hope they will continue to support and we will also do our best for them."

"The quality of the Black Queens team is very high, from the goalkeeping department to the attackers. All the players have geniune talents."

"When it comes to motivating myself, it is not about money but I encourage myself to be the best at what I do and when fans are happy, it's a great feeling for me. This award is a massive honour and a motivation to reach higher heights."

"Yes for sure, I am hoping for that, that's my aim, I listen to coaches and personally I feel anything you do you have to set a target and that is my target and am working towards that."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"This is amazing. I can remember way back when we couldn't make it, but last season we went to the WAFCON, we made an impact and lucky for us, here we are today."

"We have our last game to play at WAFCON. The excuses are too many. It’s time we put everything aside and play for the badge."

"I’m not saying we haven’t tried, but football is about results."

"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."

"I'm happy we didn't go home empty-handed. We couldn't reach the final, but we're going home with something."

"Playing the host nation is exciting, not pressure."

"It’s just been really exciting to play for the national team — It’s always been a dream, but I never thought I’d actually be here. It didn’t become real to me until I was there, and it was one of the best experiences of my life."

"You’ve got to keep pushing yourself. When you’re tired? You have to do more. Do you want to stop a guy? Do one more."

"You have to make sure you’re fit, that your weaknesses improve … you have to have confidence in yourself. There is always something to work on, so you should never not be doing something."

"I think if we play to our best abilities, I think we could really win the whole thing."

"It’s been my dream to be a professional soccer player."

"I’ve been learning the path to success is not just one straight line. There are a lot of ups and downs, and most people don’t see the downs."

"But you just have to remember when you’re down, you’ve just got to keep working hard because if it was easy, everyone could do it."

"I think that if we all work together and follow the coach's instructions, we can achieve great things. My hope is to win the Women's African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and then qualify for the World Cup."

"I'm from Accra, but I was born in Liberia. My father is Ghanaian, and my brothers live in Ghana. I've been to Ghana only once, but it was great seeing my family and having that experience. I really enjoyed it."

"We’ve worked so hard, and now we’re just one step away from the final. That means everything."

"Some of the younger players bring so much energy to the team. It lifts us."

"We the older players try to guide them and keep the team strong. It was always my dream to play in these kinds of games. But due to some reasons, I haven’t had the chance to be on the field as much as I wanted. Still, I’m supporting the team in every way I can."

"We trust our coach. He’s given us a clear game plan, and all we have to do is to follow it and give everything we’ve got."

"We know what this game means. We are hopeful. We’ve prepared well."

"Tomorrow, we’ll give it our all."

"Getting to this stage of the tournament is a big deal, not just for us as players but for the entire country."

"I’ve been through a lot going to school in a foreign country. Had to do jobs on the side to pay for my expenses. In the end it was really worth it."

"I started getting interest in soccer since I was little. I would say I was about 4. I developed interest by following my two brothers around. They played street soccer all the time and I would follow them out and be a ball girl. But it all changed, one day they were one play short and they put me in to make up the number. Though all I did was run around, it was fun. It didn’t stop there. They continued whenever they were a player short. I played street soccer until middle school."

"I didn’t necessarily choose soccer. I just accidentally started playing and with time I was actually good at it. So I kept going."

"Never been interested in any other sports. My parents were really supportive. My parents are very educated so they know the value of combining education with sports. My dad bought all the necessary things I needed to play."

"Ummm I think you need to be willing to learn, be positive, most of of all be persistent and don’t give up easily, you have to be coachable and not complacent, be humble and listen to good advice from your coaches and experienced players. I think that’s it."

"Yes, the challenges I faced was being called names in my community. Names like, manwoman, boygirl and even a prostitute. And there are a lot of misconceptions about female athletes. That you won’t be able to give birth and finding a husband would be difficult. But am glad that people’s perception is changing everyday about women in sport’s."

"I got pregnant in but my coach and grandmother decided I had to abort it because we were a month and a week away from going to the Black Queens camp."

"My coach went to see my grandparents. I was young by then so it was recently that an elderly man I know told me the place I reside was where my abortion was done."

"I was having my period regularly, there were no signs of me being pregnant."

"The coach said he wants to use the princesses and the maidens to represent the team which is not a bad idea but they lack experience to get the job done. Assuming Kwarasey is ignored in the stars, people will complain but when it happens in the female side, no one is talking about it so I wish Ghanaians give the same attention to the queens ."

"During our time, we could not make money from football and even the way we were paid left us in debt before we even receive our bonuses."

"They say when the government or the sports ministry owes you, they will pay you, but as to when you never know. So I usually will borrow money to cater for myself and my ailing grandmother. Before the money comes, you are already in huge debt."

"This time around we are all looking forward to a host and win situation."

"You know in the past we lost in the finals three times but this time around we have the advantage to redeem our image so we must do everything possible to win."

"It is not so easy to come after your father in the sense of the expectations being so high back home and in Europe"

"My career has not been easy but I always keep on working hard and have belief in my qualities so I don't have any problems.""

"I've always thought that I was a good finisher, but sometimes you just need a bit of luck"

"This year, I've had quite a bit of luck, but luck doesn't just come like that, you need to provoke it. I've been working really, really hard on that but there's still room for improvement"

"People tell me that I don't have the killer instinct or aggressiveness in front of goal. But I am in a team where we need to work for each point"

"People tell me that I don't have the killer instinct or aggressiveness in front of goal. But I am in a team where we need to work for each point. I can't just stand up front and wait for the ball and try to take people on and shoot. There are other things I need to do and I enjoy doing them"

"We have a task ahead of us and we can go to the Championship to deliver whatever we can. I think we have the qualities and the players that can face all this countries – opponents."

"We are not going to underrate any country. We would play match after match and improve match after match."

"In our last tournament, we didn’t perform well so this is our chance to lift the trophy for the first time. Most players now have the exposure so I think with this preparation, we can lift the trophy."

"We still believe we can qualify so we are going there to fight and get the win."

"We are not out of it, just like they scored here we can also go there and score without conceding."

"It is not as if we are throwing sour grapes, just because we have lost. Rather, this is the fact and it is up to the organisers to do something about this. It is not good for African women’s football."

"We are hosting the tournament and our prime target is to win the title as hosts and qualify for the World Cup which will be staged in France next year."

"I have been talking to my colleagues, trying to motivate them that we can make a name for ourselves and the country."

"This year's tournament is not going to be easy, everything that will be participarting will be coming for the ultimate."

"We as host nation have a big task to win the sompetition as well but is not going to come easy."

"I have believed and very confident we can make mother Ghana proud when the competition begins."

"Naturally, we want to win the tournament because it would feel very good [to do do] at home, but we can only focus on it one game at a time."

"We have come close many times so there we are not far off at all."

"It’s sometimes sad and disheartening how the people of Ghana especially the media have just neglected us and say nothing about our teams."

"Whenever I’m listening to Radio and watching TV, I hear how they(the media) promote and fight for the Black Stars and other Men’s national teams at the expense of we the Female teams which shouldn’t be the case."

"The Black Queens were the first team to represent the country at the world cup level but the kind of treatment and promotion we get from Ghanaians especially the media is on the low side."

"We want to qualify for the semi-finals without any doubt and that will mean winning. Besides, we want to keep our unbeated record so far."

"Why can't female players and coaches be celebrated as well?"

"We are all serving the same Ghana as the male players and coaches."

"When I have the ball, she knows what I'll do next."

"I work with the young people and players coming through the academy on and off the pitch every day. It gives me great joy to help them develop further and assist them in reaching the next steps of their future with endless potential"

"The new academy plans and investment in Ghana is a massive statement and will improve Right to Dream’s Ghanaian program even further in the years to come,"

"I had to find my own way, and it wasn’t easy. What Right to Dream is doing is a gift to the youth and future of Ghana, especially because academic education is such a big part of the program alongside the football"

"When I started schooling, my parents didn't want me to play football because I was always coming home dirty."

"So my mum didn't want me to continue playing.She encouraged me to study, so I wanted to become a doctor. I made my mind up but things changed and here I am today playing football professionally."

"It’s a great opportunity for me. I just have to stay focussed and work hard and hopefully everything is going to be fine and we see the way forward."

"It’s actually a different group of players. Here, there are totally different players from different clubs so it’s not really the same compared to my club. But seeing the quality of players we have here, I think we going to a have a great game and a great time here."

"It’s an important game for us and we have to focus on this game, take everything serious, stay together and we will have a great game."

"The coaches focus more on players playing in big leagues or against decent opponents."

"The first one, two or three times is to get a feel and see how it goes after."

"I didn’t go into it thinking I might get a chance. But I’m ready if the chance comes."

"As footballers, you want to play against the big boys, so if that happens then we’re ready to go."

"I visit Ghana every time, and I am ever ready to honour any call-up from the Black Stars. I know the right time will come, and I believe in the technical team. They are doing a fantastic job."

"It is normal back home that it is difficult, and people move abroad to get a better life."

"Being here was a big thing as it’s so different to back home. My family were in the middle but that’s because they moved abroad and were able to send money back home."

"I was a defender as a boy, but I was terrible and wasn’t fit enough!"

"Being dropped wasn’t a good thing and it was very hard mentally, but I took it as a big motivation and didn’t let it get me down. I just kept going."

"I made some saves and saved a penalty, but I was just doing my job."

"We both know how things are back home and if you are not humble, you must be crazy."

"It gives me more motivation, 100 per cent, because we have had similar journeys and come from similar backgrounds as well."

"In this game, you’ve got to believe. If you don’t belief in yourselves, there’s no point."

"It’s all about heart."

"With both my saves, I gambled to my left or right. If I saved it, great, if I don’t, I just go again you know."

"I went to my right twice and got lucky, and made two good saves there."

"I was very happy because it’s my job to help the team out, and in a penalty shootout it was just my time to shine, and I think I did that."

"We know that football is about fighting, and that the team that fights the best will get the win."

"That’s the thing about the boys – it’s always in our mind to only ever give one hundred per cent. I think everyone did that last time – and will do again on Friday."

"You know when you go there it’s going to be a massive challenge, so we just need to make sure that we are ready and then see what happens."

"We’re really buzzing at the moment; 3 points clear at the top of the table, we’re all very excited. If we keep working hard, why can’t this carry on?"

"It’s all about hard work."

"When you are the first-choice goalkeeper, it’s very different from being a back-up. It’s much more difficult being a back-up and waiting for your opportunity when the first choice is not around."

"Everyone’s buzzing in the changing room. It’s the perfect way to head into a Christmas break and we’re excited for what the rest of the season has in store for us."

"The main ambition for us this season is to win the league and that’s something that I really want to achieve. We’ve said it since the start of the year; we made that our goal and we’re top at Christmas, so we have to carry that on."

"In the second part of the season I just want to keep doing what I’m doing, putting in the work and just seeing what happens. I’ve spent a lot of time with the first team this year and I’ve just got to keep working to get better and improve."

"We’ll have a nice Christmas with our families."

"We’re going to get ourselves ready and just treat it as another game, and hopefully keep the unbeaten run going."

"Extremely appreciative of getting the opportunity to wear the national team jersey for the first time. A proud moment I will never forget. Also want to say a massive thank you to Ghanaians for their support."

"I am happy with the confidence in me and the support. I am glad I lived up to expectation," he told."

"Sometimes people think once you are a local player, the national team will be difficult, but we are very determined. I think if a local player is good, he deserves a platform."

"The work I didn't do it alone, they helped me to get that achievement and also my determination is that when I am in the goalpost, it will not be easy to concede."

"If you are a goalkeeper and you keep a clean sheet and don't concede goals, people will see it. So far, I will say my hard work helped me to get this call-up."

"The changes it has brought to my career are that club football is different from national team football. I have the confidence that if I travel abroad to play, I will be able to fit in because I have seen the difference. You need to fit into wherever you are taken."

"What I will tell my colleagues is that we should attach seriousness to training and league games because the national team is not child's play and the home-based players are not different from the foreign-based."

"The key thing I learnt is that punctuality and self-discipline are very important."

"It's a huge honour to have extended my contract with the club and to be continuing this great adventure. I'm delighted. I'd like to thank everyone who has helped me feel good at Rennes, the staff, the directors and my team-mates. I'd also like to thank the fans, who are always there."

"I was doing really well at the start of the season. This injury stopped me in my tracks and it's up to me to be strong mentally to overcome it. I'm at the top of my game mentally, I'm well supported and I'm still smiling. I've started racing again and that's a joy, but you have to accept that you have to go step by step and listen to the Doc'."

"I had to work twice as hard in training. I'm happy with the level I was able to reach before my injury and the aim is to get back there quickly."

"I'm available to the club, so I play where I'm asked to play, without preference. The important thing is to bring my qualities to the group, to be present. Whether it's on the right, the left or in the middle."

"When you're on the pitch, you don't necessarily see everything that's going on off it. Being on the sidelines makes me realise that."

"When I was little, I really liked Sergio Ramos. He’s a player who goes into duels, fights, and is always there."

"You have to be humble, if you’re humble, any good player will want to help you out. If you’re too cocky, no good player is going to want to help you to what you want to be."

"Sports in Africa is very difficult because we don’t have the facilities, so it can be very hard. It doesn’t matter how good you are; if you don’t have the facilities, you can’t make it to the top."

"They think it’s an easy sport compared to the other sports, but it’s not, If you tell somebody you play table tennis, they say, ‘Oh, I’m good! I’m good!’ Everybody’s good at playing table tennis."

"It’s like checking your pulse to see if you’ve still got it or not."

"Over the past year, I have learned an incredible amount, and the coaches and my teammates always make sure I’m still learning something new every single day."

"I’m not a person who looks that far ahead - I’m taking it day by day."

"I think it was a good opportunity for me to help, do my best for the team, and this was the main goal."

"I had a lot of praise, and I am happy with that."

"The team is very grateful to have such a guy. He is very good to everyone and the way he carries himself, I think is very nice that we learn a lot from him."

"I do the same thing I always have, and I train the same way. So in that way, nothing has changed. I just do my best, and now I have the chance."

"The coaches tell me what to do, and then I try to do it. I'm not afraid to take a chance with a pass, because that's part of our style of play, and if we lose the ball, you can always try to win it back."

"I've never scored many goals, so of course I was happy, but it wasn't that big of a deal for me. The most important thing was that we won the game."

"For me, nothing really changed, but I just tried to do my best and then try to fit in the first team. But when I started, I was training with the first team and was playing with the second team. Then there was an injury to a teammate. I came in, and then I took my chance, and then right from there, I built on it."

"For me, it's a great honour to play in the Champions League. We will play a play-off. i just pray we get the win, and then we can fit in (group phase)."

"But for me to play in the Champions League is a very great honour. i always watch the Champions League."

"For me, it's meant so much for me because this is my first trophy. We jubilated after the Lugano game. Almost all the players came to the dressing room. We celebrated with the fans. During that week we had like two celebrations."

"If it rains, the game will be faster, but I don’t think we should focus on that. We simply need to concentrate on the match, because we know it’s a very important game for us."

"I gave myself the chance to earn this spot by working hard, and that's why I'm not surprised to be playing regularly now. In training, I'm improving and making sure to stay as disciplined as possible, and I've been doing that since the restart."

"I think some players, like the younger ones, are a bit tired. But with experience, we have to motivate and support them. It’s also my job to guide them and set a good example."

"Playing my first match with the national team against Brazil was really difficult. But I was really happy to make my debut."

"My little brother is currently in Ghana in the same academy where I was trained. He is also left-footed and plays in the same position as me, in central defense."

"I loved the Brazilian Ronaldo! I watched a lot of videos of him when I was younger. He was a fantastic player who carried his team all the time."

"It’s a very very great club and I am happy to be here, like I side it is a big step for my career."

"I am looking forward to the journey, to win games and to be the best team we can be. I am very happy to be here. I arrived yesterday evening and I enjoy it here."

"Our game depends above all on us and the energy we put into our play, we don't think about the opponent in front of us, we focus first on ourselves as a team. We apply what the coach teaches us in training, but that's football, you can't predict anything in advance."

"We have no doubts, football is about ups and downs depending on the period. We are currently in a bad moment and we have to fight to get back to the top. The season had started very well and we were in good form, we just need to believe in what we are doing on the pitch and listen to the coach’s tactical advice to get back to our level."

"Each game is different, sometimes the chances can be easier than others. We continue to believe in our attackers, it is a difficult time for the team but I think the goals will come. It is time for us to do better to put the attackers in a better position, so that they can regain confidence."

"We have to quickly get back to basics, win matches, adopt the right mentality on the pitch and be sure to give everything in each match."

"I’m just fully attentive to what the coach asks of me and I try to apply his instructions."

"I know that the team expects a lot from me and I’m going to try to give all I can to help the team."

"I want to contribute my qualities on the wing, and I'm convinced that they will fit in well with the team's style of play."

"Now I'm excited about the team, the fans and the environment in Berlin and I'm really looking forward to getting to know everything there."

"Signing for such a big club is a very big and sepecial thing for me."

"I am looking forward to stepping onto the field, meeting our fans, and giving everything for the club as soon as possible."

"I consulted with my friends, acquaintances, and family about the transfer. Everyone knows how big of a club Galatasaray is. I know it too. Being here is prideful. Wearing this jersey is very valuable to me."

"Hello Ghana. Just finished training with the guys. My first training for Ghana, I am very proud and I am happy with these guys."

"I am taking it step by step. I didn’t expect to play this much in the beginning, but I’m now playing a lot and I expect a lot from myself."

"I expect a lot from myself."

"First for Ghana. Big pride to wear and represent our beloved country, super proud for this achievement. Big thank you to my family, friends and loved ones for being at the proudest moment of my life."

"I would like to convey my sincere gratitude to everyone at IFK Norrkoping - the management, staff, teammates, and supporters. I have grown so much here, both as a player and as a person. Thank you for your incredible support and for making me feel like part of the family."

"I'm going to take a step up at Nice, at a club that's a top player in the French league and will be competing in Europe for the second consecutive season. I feel ready to take on this new challenge."