The Ministry of Sports and Recreation, in close collaboration with the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has issued a strong reassurance to the Ghanaian public and fans that the Black Queens—the senior women’s national football team—are fully safe, secure, and in excellent physical and mental condition while stationed in the United Arab Emirates.
This comes amid heightened public anxiety triggered by escalating geopolitical tensions in the broader Middle East region, including recent airstrikes and ballistic missile incidents involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, which have led to temporary airspace closures, disruptions to normal activities, and brief halts in training for some delegations.
The team, comprising a 25-player squad supported by 16 officials, arrived in Dubai on February 25, 2026, and is based primarily at the Four Points by Sheraton hotel in Sharjah, a neighboring emirate known for its relative stability and proximity to match venues.
They are participating in the Pink Ladies Cup, an annual invitational international women’s football tournament now in its third edition, running from February 28 to March 6, 2026, and hosted at venues such as the Al Hamriya Sports Club Stadium in Al Hamriyah. The competition features a round-robin format with national teams from different confederations, providing valuable high-level match practice against diverse opposition.
Ghana kicked off their campaign impressively on Saturday, February 28 (or late February 28 depending on local timing), delivering a dominant and clinical 4-0 victory over Hong Kong at the Al Hamriya Sports Club Stadium.
The goals came from Princess Marfo (28th minute, finishing a well-constructed team move), Doris Boaduwaa (around the 39th-40th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error), Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah (47th or 55th minute in some reports, converting a cross from Comfort Yeboah), and Agejipina Zakaria (87th minute, rounding off the rout late on).
This performance highlighted the team’s attacking composure, defensive solidity, and depth, serving as a strong confidence booster ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where Ghana aims to build on their recent continental bronze medal success.
Despite the regional unrest briefly interrupting routine training sessions and sparking concerns about potential early withdrawal or travel complications, team Media Officer Matilda Dimedo confirmed in interviews that the squad remains optimistic and intends to press ahead.
Officials are hopeful of resuming full preparations soon and honoring their scheduled second match against Russia on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
The GFA President Kurt Okraku has personally engaged with the players and staff to provide reassurance, while the association has coordinated extensively over the past 48 hours with Ghana’s diplomatic mission in the UAE, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, security advisors, and local authorities to monitor the situation in real time and implement appropriate contingency measures.
Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Iddi Adams has acknowledged the understandable unease such an environment would cause for anyone, including the players, emphasizing that the players’ welfare remains the absolute top priority.
However, with the team confirmed to be sheltered safely at their hotel base, in good spirits, and receiving full consular support, the ministry and GFA have urged calm while stressing that ongoing communication channels ensure any necessary decisions—whether continuing play or adjusting travel plans—will prioritize safety above all else.
The Pink Ladies Cup continues to stand as a key preparatory pillar for the Black Queens’ WAFCON ambitions, allowing them to test tactics, build cohesion, and gain international exposure in the critical lead-up to the continental showpiece.