Ghana’s senior women’s national football team, the Black Queens, sealed their place in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a commanding 4-0 victory over Egypt Women’s National Football Team at the Accra Sports Stadium, completing a 7-0 aggregate win after their first-leg triumph in Cairo.
Under the guidance of Swedish head coach Kim Lars Björkegren, the Black Queens delivered an authoritative performance, silencing any lingering doubts about their readiness for continental competition. Björkegren was appointed earlier in 2025 and has already been nominated for the 2025 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Women’s Coach of the Year for his role in Ghana’s turnaround.
From the outset, Ghana controlled the game’s tempo and tempo of attacks. With the first-leg 3-0 advantage from Cairo, the home side did not take their foot off the gas. Their discipline, tactical sharpness and fluid combination play reflected the training ground work instilled by Björkegren.
In the 17th minute, forward Doris Boaduwaa opened the scoring with a composed finish inside the box after a well-timed pass from midfielder Priscilla Adubea. The opening goal ignited both the crowd and the team, setting the tone for a dominant display. Five minutes later, the lead was doubled as the Black Queens executed a fast break with precision; the delivery into the box found Boaduwaa who poked the ball past, leaving Egypt scrambling.
Before halftime, though Egypt attempted to regroup, the Ghana defence stayed uncompromised. The Black Queens entered the break 2-0 ahead and in full control. Coach Björkegren opted for fresh legs at halftime, and the second period showcased Ghana’s depth. In the 57th minute, substitute Comfort Yeboah picked up the ball off a defensive error and slotted Ghana’s third, effectively ending any suspense. In stoppage time, Boaduwaa completed her hat-trick, becoming a national hero in the process.
The magnitude of the win cannot be overstated. With a 7-0 aggregate margin, the Black Queens demonstrated they are not merely qualifiers returning, but contenders. Ghana’s third-place finish at the previous WAFCON had already sparked optimism, and this performance reinforced that the revival under Björkegren is genuine.
Despite the on-field success, the build-up to the match was not without tension. The squad reportedly missed training sessions over unpaid bonuses. The timely intervention of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and Sports Minister Kofi Adams allowed the team to refocus ahead of the game.
As Ghana prepares for the next phase, the draw for the tournament’s group stage will provide an indication of the journey ahead. A strong showing in Morocco could also put the Black Queens on the path to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, as a semi-final finish in WAFCON would secure them a berth.
The impact of the qualification goes beyond the pitch. In Ghana, where support for women’s football has long lagged behind the men’s game, this result provides a platform to deepen investment, grow the domestic women’s league and raise the profile of the sport nationally. Coach Björkegren echoed that sentiment after the match: “We are here to go beyond participation. Our mission is to compete, win, and elevate Ghana’s women’s football.”
Social media reflected the national pride. Tweets and posts celebrating the team’s achievement highlighted the long-awaited return to the continental elite and underlined the Black Queens as role models for young female players across the country.
With qualification secured and momentum building, the challenge now shifts to preparation for the main tournament. Fitness, squad selection, tactical refinement and stronger club-to-national team alignment will be crucial. International friendlies and regional camps are already under planning by the GFA and technical staff.
In a broader context, the success of the Black Queens mirrors the global growth of women’s football and Africa’s rising competitiveness in the sport. Ghana’s resurgence in this space may also catalyse more private-sector partnerships, better media coverage and enhanced grassroots pathways for girls.
Ultimately, the message is clear: the Black Queens are back, not as hopeful qualifiers, but as credible contenders with ambition. Ghana’s football-loving public can now look forward with optimism to a national team that carries the promise of broader transformation, both for sport and society.
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