Accra: Universal Merchant Bank (UMB) has thrown its support behind Ghana's Black Queens as the national women's football team prepares to begin its campaign at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
According to Ghana Web, the bank, in a message shared on its social media platforms, expressed its pride in backing the Black Queens as they gear up to represent Ghana on the continental stage. UMB's message read, "Tomorrow, the Black Queens begin their WAFCON journey. As they step onto the pitch, we stand proudly behind them, just as we've stood with Ghanaians through every financial milestone since 1972." The bank added its well wishes, emphasizing its commitment to "showing up with purpose and proudly backing the Black Queens."
The Black Queens are set to commence their Group C matches against Cape Verde on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca, with the kick-off scheduled for 5 p.m. Ghana time. Following this, they will face Cameroon on August 2 and conclude the group stage against Mali on August 6, 2026.
The 2026 WAFCON, hosted by Morocco, features 16 teams competing from July 25 to August 16, 2026. The tournament holds additional importance as teams vie for qualification to the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.
UMB, a Ghanaian indigenous full-service financial institution, was established on March 15, 1972. Initially set up as a policy bank to bolster Ghana's merchant banking capacity, UMB has since expanded its services. Today, it offers a comprehensive range of financial services to individuals, businesses, and institutions across its 35 branches in Ghana, with additional centers in Accra, Kumasi, and Kasoa, along with a wide ATM network.
The bank has a history of supporting Ghanaian businesses and promoting innovative financial solutions. It has been instrumental in pioneering initiatives in corporate and merchant banking, contributing significantly to the development of Ghana's capital markets.
UMB's support for the Black Queens is part of its broader identity, "Proudly Backing Ghana Since 1972," which ties its longstanding operations to national initiatives and institutions. As the Black Queens embark on their WAFCON journey, UMB encourages Ghanaians to unite in support of the team as they aim for continental triumph and a strong performance in their Group C matches.