Ampem Darkoa Ladies FC talent Ajegipina Zakaria has expressed immense joy after receiving her first-ever call-up to the Ghana women's national football team, describing the moment as a dream come true.

The promising player said she could hardly contain her excitement when she learned she had been selected to represent Ghana at the senior national level.

According to Zakaria, the news reached her while she was with her club, Ampem Darkoa Ladies FC.

Benjamin Asare beats Black Queens captain Portia Boakye to GhanaWeb Excellence in Sports Award

“I was very, very happy. I was at Ampem Darkoa when they told me they were calling me to come and play for the Black Queens. I told my parents first,” she said.

She revealed that she started playing the sport when she was just two years old, often joining boys in her community since girls’ football was not widely embraced at the time.

“Girls, they don't take football as something that is very, very good. But because of the guys, the way they were playing, I also joined them,” she explained.

The youngster also spoke about the influence of Black Queens captain Portia Boakye, whom she described as a major source of inspiration within the national team.

“First, I was happy to have Portia. She’s a good player. If I’m playing with her, I’m always happy because she’s a talented player,” Zakaria added.

Her call-up is seen as another step in the continued rise of the talented youngster, who is gradually establishing herself as one of the exciting prospects in Ghana women’s football.

PAH/MA

Watch the 2025 GhanaWeb Excellence Awards below: