By: Belinda Nketia
Ghana’s Black Queens will begin preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with participation in the Pinks Ladies Cup in the United Arab Emirates later this month.
The invitational tournament will run from February 28 to March 6 and will feature Ghana, Russia, Hong Kong, and Tanzania. It will give the Black Queens early competitive matches as they prepare for Africa’s premier women’s football competition.
Head coach Kim Lars Björkegren is expected to use the tournament to assess player fitness, test tactical ideas, and evaluate both experienced players and emerging talents. The matches are expected to influence squad decisions ahead of WAFCON.
The Pinks Ladies Cup brings together national teams from different regions and is regarded as a strong preparatory competition. Ghana is expected to face varied playing styles and high-intensity matches similar to conditions at the continental tournament.
The Black Queens are in a rebuilding phase after recent international outings, with the technical team focused on improving team cohesion and consistency. Coach Björkegren, who took charge in 2024, has embraced long-term development as Ghana aims to return to the top tier of women’s football in Africa.
The Ghana Football Association’s decision to send the team to the UAE reflects efforts to secure quality preparation ahead of the tournament. The Black Queens are expected to depart in the coming days, with the final squad to be announced soon.
