By Nadia Ntiamoah
The senior women’s national team, the Black Queens, will continue their participation in the ongoing Pink Ladies Cup in the United Arab Emirates, despite recent security concerns in the region.
The confirmation was given by the team’s Media Officer, Matilda Dimedo, who assured that the squad remains safe and focused on their tournament objectives.
Her remarks follow a tense weekend in which rising geopolitical tensions briefly disrupted the team’s routine after their emphatic 4–0 victory over Hong Kong in the opening fixture.
According to Dimedo, the team has been in constant communication with tournament organisers and the diplomatic authorities in the UAE.
Officials from the consular mission paid a visit to the Black Queens on Monday morning to assess the situation firsthand and reassure the players and technical staff of government support and ongoing monitoring of security developments.
The unrest had initially restricted access to outdoor training facilities, forcing the team to adjust their preparation schedule.
However, the players maintained fitness levels through indoor gym sessions while awaiting clearance to resume full training activities. Dimedo indicated that the squad is hopeful of returning to the pitch as scheduled in preparation for their second game against Russia.
She further noted that conditions in the host city have improved significantly since the previous day, when smoke was visible across parts of the skyline. With local activities gradually returning to normal, anxiety within the Ghanaian camp has eased, allowing attention to shift back to football matters.
The team’s travel plans, however, remain contingent on the status of regional airspace. Dimedo explained that the Black Queens could depart earlier than planned if conditions stabilise before their final scheduled match against Tanzania.
Alternatively, they may remain in the UAE to complete the tournament before returning home once it is deemed safe to do so.
The Pink Ladies Cup forms a critical part of Ghana’s build-up to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which is set to kick off later this month.
The technical team has been using the invitational competition to fine-tune tactics, assess squad combinations, and build match sharpness ahead of the continental showpiece.
Following the Pink Ladies Cup, the Black Queens are also scheduled to face Ivory Coast in a final preparatory friendly before heading into WAFCON competition.
