Ghana women's national football team, popularly known as the Black Queens, have safely returned home after winning the Pink Ladies Cup in the United Arab Emirates amid heightened tensions in the Middle East.
The team landed in Ghana over the weekend following a successful evacuation from Dubai, bringing to an end what turned out to be a memorable yet tense international assignment.
Ghana had delivered a dominant campaign in the four-nation tournament, finishing top of the standings after scoring eight goals and conceding none in two matches.
The Black Queens opened their campaign with a commanding victory over the Hong Kong women's national football team before producing their most impressive performance of the tournament with a 4-0 win against the Russia women's national football team at the Al Hamriya Sports Club Stadium in Dubai.
Head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren made several changes to his starting line-up for the Russia encounter, bringing in players such as Alice Kusi, Grace Asantewaa, Stella Nyamekye and Josephine Bonsu. The adjustments paid off quickly as Stella Nyamekye opened the scoring in the eighth minute after being set up by Doris Boaduwaa.
Boaduwaa soon doubled Ghana’s lead with a superb volley before adding a second later in the half following a swift counterattack to make it 3-0 at the break. Substitute Ajegipina Zakaria added a fourth late in the game to complete a dominant performance.
The result ensured Ghana topped the standings with eight goals scored and none conceded, confirming their status as champions of the tournament.
However, the competition was overshadowed by rising geopolitical tensions in the region following missile strikes involving the United States, Israel and Iran. The situation led to uncertainty surrounding the tournament schedule, with the final round of matches eventually cancelled.
Amid the security concerns, a delegation from the Ghana Embassy in the United Arab Emirates visited the Black Queens’ camp to assure the players and technical staff of their safety and provide support during the situation. The delegation commended the team for remaining focused and representing the country with distinction despite the circumstances.
With the final round match against Tanzania cancelled, Ghana were officially crowned champions of the Pink Ladies Cup based on their superior record.
Following coordination between the Ghana Football Association and Ghana’s diplomatic mission in the UAE, arrangements were made for the team’s safe return to Accra.
The Black Queens touched down in Ghana on Saturday to conclude what had been a successful international outing, one that provided a major confidence boost for the team as they continue preparations for upcoming competitions, including the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
