(My Sportsbook) - Ghana comes to China 2007 having qualified for the past three Women's World Cups, but still is very much the second team in Africa.

Nigeria has held claim to the top African team for years, but Ghana is looking for a little success in this year's World Cup to try and escape the large shadow that Nigeria has cast.

The Black Queens will have the benefit of an experienced manager in the dugout with former men's national team coach Isaac Paha. The club also has former African Women's Footballer of the Year winner in captain Adjoa Bayor on its side. Bayor will be playing in her third World Cup along with goalkeeper Gladys Enti and the versatile Lydia Ankrah, who bring plenty of experience to the table.

Defenders Mavis Danso and Aminatu Ibrahim and midfielder Florence Okoe also know what it is like to play on the biggest stage in women's soccer, having taken part in the 2003 World Cup on a Ghana side that finished 12th.

Paha will be turning to a newcomer to help jumpstart the attack in speedy striker Anita Amankwa, who impressed during qualifying.

Amankwa represents the next wave of talent in Ghana, and will try to help the team reach the knockout round of the competition for the first time in its history.

The Black Queens have their work cut out for them, with Norway, Canada and Australia joining the team in Group C.

Ghana is 1-0-1 in the last two World Cups against Australia, and has a chance to get off to a good start with a win over the Aussies in their opener. Things get tough after that, however, as 2003 semifinalists Canada follow and then group favorites Norway.

Ghana will likely have to wait another four years to advance past the group stage, but a better finish than Nigeria this year would be a nice consolation.

PAST ACHIEVEMENTS:

-- 2nd African Womens Championship - 1998, 2002

-- 3rd African Womens Championship - 2000

-- Qualified FIFA Women's World Cup - 1999, 2003