Sharon Sampson: Emotional Reaction to First Black Queens Call-Up | Discuss Ghana

On Monday, March 16, 2026, Black Queens forward Sharon Sampson shared the deeply emotional moment she learned of her first senior national team call-up, revealing, "I almost cried when I got the call".

The Piteå IF striker is one of the standout names in head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren’s 24-woman squad for the final round of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers against Egypt.

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A Journey of Determination

Sampson’s call-up marks a significant milestone in a career that has spanned multiple continents and levels of the game:

Swedish Roots: Born in Södertälje, Sweden, to Ghanaian parents, Sampson grew up in the Swedish football system, playing for clubs like Hammarby IF and Telge United before her current stint at Piteå IF.

U-20 World Cup Pedigree: She was a key member of the Black Princesses squad during the 2023 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Costa Rica, where her performance as a tall, left-footed forward first caught the eye of senior team scouts.

Dual Career: Beyond the pitch, Sampson has gained attention for her versatility, having balanced her football career with modeling and her studies at Oakland University in Michigan.

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The Road to WAFCON 2026

Sampson joins a high-energy squad led by captain Portia Boakye, as Ghana looks to secure its place in the tournament in Morocco next year:

Fresh Talent: Alongside Sampson, Texas State University’s Helen Alormenu also received her maiden invitation, signaling a youth-focused "National Reset" for the women's game.

Key Fixtures: The Black Queens will face Egypt in a two-legged tie starting on Friday, March 20, in Cairo, with the return leg scheduled for Accra on Wednesday, March 25.

High Stakes: Following a strong showing at the 2024 WAFCON in Morocco, the team is under pressure to maintain their status as one of Africa’s top three sides.