Ghanaian-British footballer Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah has emerged as one of the standout performers for the Black Queens at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), currently taking place in Morocco.
Born in England to Ghanaian parents of Ga-Adangbe heritage, the young winger has quickly become a fan favourite, winning praise for her pace, work rate, and attacking flair. Boye-Hlorkah, who previously played in the Women’s Super League for Everton and Aston Villa, brings a wealth of top-level experience to Ghana’s national side. Her seamless adaptation to the team’s style of play and strong connection with her teammates have significantly boosted the Black Queens’ performance throughout the tournament.
She scored a crucial goal in Ghana’s group-stage victory over Algeria and provided an assist in the quarter-final clash against Nigeria, underlining her importance to Coach Kim Björkegren’s tactical setup. Her ability to take on defenders, create chances, and track back defensively has made her one of the most balanced players in the squad.
Off the pitch, Chantelle has also endeared herself to Ghanaians through her humility and pride in her roots. In a recent interview, she expressed her joy at representing Ghana, stating:
“It’s an honour to wear the Ghana jersey. I grew up in England, but my heritage has always been a big part of my identity. Playing for the Black Queens is a dream come true.”
With the Black Queens aiming for their first WAFCON title since the tournament’s inception, Boye-Hlorkah’s contributions could prove vital as Ghana pushes for a place in the final. Her story reflects the growing influence of diaspora players in African football and the positive impact of dual-nationality talent returning to represent their ancestral nations.
