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Ghana’s Black Queens delivered a statement of intent ahead of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), sweeping to the Pink Ladies Cup title in the United Arab Emirates after two emphatic victories before the tournament ended in an anticlimactic finish.
The Queens produced a pair of commanding performances to underline their growing confidence under head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren, thrashing Hong Kong, China 4–0 before dismantling Russia by the same scoreline to secure the title.
Their scheduled final match against Tanzania yesterday was cancelled amid logistical disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, forcing organisers to scrap the fixture. However, Ghana were officially crowned champions based on their superior results.
Tournament officials later presented the trophy to the Black Queens in a brief ceremony at the team’s hotel in Sharjah, bringing a somewhat abrupt end to what had been shaping up as a perfect competitive rehearsal for continental duty.
Despite the premature conclusion, Ghana’s performances in the UAE offered compelling evidence that the team is steadily building momentum ahead of the rescheduled WAFCON in Morocco later this year.
Originally slated for March 17 to April 3, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced this week that the continental showpiece would now be held from July 25 to August 16 following what it described as “unforeseen circumstances”.
The eleventh-hour postponement temporarily halts the Queens’ competitive rhythm just as they appeared to be hitting stride.
Cynthia Konlan Findib displaying her Golden Gloves award as the competition's best goalkeeper
Yet the Pink Ladies Cup triumph provides Bjorkegren with a raft of positives as the squad returns to club football to regroup before reconvening for the continental assignment.
For Ghana, the tournament in the UAE was designed as a crucial dress rehearsal for Morocco, an opportunity to sharpen tactical cohesion, test squad depth and build confidence ahead of a campaign aimed at restoring the nation’s standing in African women’s football.
Central to Ghana’s dominance was attacker Doris Boaduwaa, whose clinical finishing earned her the tournament’s top scorer award.
Boaduwaa struck three times across the two matches, beginning with a composed finish against Hong Kong before producing a superb brace in the emphatic victory over Russia.
Her sharp movement and eye for goal provided the attacking spark for a Ghana side that looked increasingly fluid and purposeful in the final third.
The forward’s prolific showing is expected to strengthen her confidence as the Queens continue their preparations for WAFCON, where Ghana will be aiming to translate their improving form into a genuine challenge for continental honours.
At the opposite end of the pitch, deputy captain Cynthia Findiib Konlan anchored the defence with authority, emerging as the tournament’s Best Goalkeeper.
Konlan maintained a perfect record between the posts, keeping two clean sheets while demonstrating excellent reflexes and command of her area as Ghana navigated the competition with relative ease.
Doris Boaduwaa won the tournament's top scorer award
Her performances reinforced the defensive stability that has become a hallmark of Bjorkegren’s tenure, with the Queens yet to concede a goal during the tournament.
Since taking charge last year, Bjorkegren has steadily moulded the Black Queens into a cohesive and disciplined side, largely retaining the core group of players he has worked with while selectively introducing fresh faces to intensify competition within the squad.
For the Pink Ladies Cup, the Swedish tactician invited a handful of new players into the fold, including goalkeeper Rose Baah, defenders Diana Amoako and Alexandra Emefa Tay, wingers Sharon Sampson and Helen Alomenu, and attacker Ajegipena Zakaria.
The tournament provided the newcomers with a valuable opportunity to stake their claim for places in the final squad expected to represent Ghana in Morocco.
Bjorkegren’s measured approach suggests a long-term vision, balancing the immediate ambition of making an impact at WAFCON with the broader task of building a sustainable, competitive national team for the future.
While the postponement of WAFCON disrupts Ghana’s competitive momentum, the Pink Ladies Cup triumph has nevertheless reinforced belief within the camp.
Two dominant victories, eight goals scored, none conceded, and individual accolades for both attack and defence reflect a side gradually rediscovering its rhythm on the international stage.
With several months now available for refinement and squad evaluation, Bjorkegren and his players will return to their respective clubs armed with confidence and the knowledge that the foundations for a strong WAFCON campaign are firmly in place.
When the Queens regroup for Morocco later in the year, they will do so not merely as participants, but as a team increasingly convinced that continental glory may yet be within reach.
