Black Queens’ Mukarama Abdulai excited for return ahead of Japan friendly

Black Queens forward Mukarama Abdulai has expressed her excitement about rejoining the squad for the international friendly against Japan next week, marking her return after a five-year absence.The match is set to take place on Saturday, July 13, at the Kanazawa Go Go Curry Stadium.The Hasaacas Ladies attacker has been training with the team for the past four days, ramping up preparations for the much-anticipated friendly.Abdulai had an impressive season in the Womens Premier League, netting 11 goals and becoming the league’s second-highest scorer. She also scored the winning goal for the Black Princesses in the 2023 African Games final against Nigeria in March, marking her third goal of the tournament.Her outstanding performances have secured her a place in the Black Queens squad for the friendly against Japan.Reflecting on her return to the team, Abdulai said, “I would put it in one word, exciting. I’m very grateful because at the end of the day, coming back is not something easy and it’s not everyone that does it. Coming back here has been something I’ve worked hard to get to. It’s been great and I’m very grateful for that.”Mukarama Abdulai made her debut for the Black Queens in May 2019, scoring in a 2-0 victory against Senegal in the WAFU Zone B Championship. Her return is highly anticipated as the Black Queens prepare to take on Japan in what promises to be an exciting international friendly.