Nat’l deaf team Black Wonders invited for 2026 DAFCON • Appeals to MoSR for financial assistance

Ghana's national deaf male football team, the Black Wonders, have been placed second in Group D for the 2026 Deaf Africa Cup of Nations (DAFCON) competition. The draw for the tournament took place last week, with Ghana facing off against groups like Mali, Kenya, and Zanzibar. On the other hand, Cameroon, Senegal, South Sudan, and Somalia will compete in Group C. Groups A, B, and C feature various African countries, with Group A comprising Ethiopia, Gabon, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, and Liberia.

The Deaf African Football Confederation (DAFC), in collaboration with the Ethiopian Deaf Football Association (EDFA), invited the Black Wonders to participate in the maiden edition of the DAFCON. The Ghana Deaf Football Association (GDFA) appealed to the Ministry of Sports and Recreation (MoSR) for financial assistance, requesting GH₵1,225,500 and $105,451 to help cover expenses for the team's participation.

Furthermore, the GDFA also sought payment for an outstanding debt of $24,446 from the 2023 Deaf Football World Cup in Malaysia.

The GDFA's Director of Communication, Mr. Ransford Lartey, informed The Ghanaian Times that settling the outstanding debt would enable Ghana to participate in the 2027 Deaf Football World Cup in Australia. He emphasized that participation in the 2026 DAFCON would boost Ghana's continental ranking, improve international competitiveness, and strengthen qualification pathways for the 2027 Deaf Football World Cup.

The tournament, scheduled from November 30 to December 13, 2026, in Ethiopia, will serve as an important platform for Ghana to evaluate its player development systems against those of leading deaf football nations across Africa. Additionally, the event will provide the technical team with the opportunity to participate in a high-level coaches' refresher course.