The senior women’s national team, the Black Queens, will play as guests of the Cleopatras of Egypt today in the first leg of the 2026 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers at the Ismailia–Suez Canal Stadium in Suez, Egypt. Kick-off is at 4:00 p.m.
Head Coach Kim Lars Björkegren is determined to guide Ghana back to the WAFCON stage after leading the team to a bronze medal at the delayed 2024 WAFCON held in Morocco earlier this year.
Standing in the Queens’ way are the Cleopatras, who eliminated Rwanda on a 3–2 aggregate in the first round of the qualifiers. Ghana drew a bye in that round and now enter the tie knowing that victory over two legs will secure their ticket to the expanded 16-nation WAFCON in Morocco, slated for March 17 – April 3, 2026.
The Black Queens wrapped up an intense final training session in Ismailia yesterday, with the players in high spirits ahead of the crucial clash.
Speaking to the media, Coach Björkegren said he was confident his side would deliver a strong result to put them in a commanding position for qualification. He expressed satisfaction with the team’s attitude, focus, and work rate during preparations.
Attacker Mary Amponsah returns to the squad and will line up alongside Alice Kusi, Doris Boaduwaa, and Princella Adubea upfront. In midfield, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, Grace Asantewaa, and Stella Nyamekye are expected to provide creativity and stability.
However, the Egyptian duo Menna Tarek and Habiba Essam remain potent threats, each capable of finding the net in every game. To leave the Ismailia–Suez Canal Stadium unscathed, Björkegren’s side must keep the pair tightly marked throughout.
This will be the first-ever WAFCON qualifier meeting between the two nations. Their last encounter came during the CAF Women’s Olympic Qualifiers in 2015, where the Black Queens triumphed 4–1 on aggregate over two legs.
The return leg will be hosted at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday, October 28, at 3:30 p.m.
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