Members of Ghana’s women’s national football team, the Black Queens, are currently stranded in the United Arab Emirates following the closure of the country’s airspace and the cancellation of all flights in response to escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, which erupted on Saturday night.
The team had arrived in Dubai on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, to take part in the Pink Ladies Cup, a four-nation tournament organised as part of the international women’s football calendar.
The competition was intended to provide the Queens with competitive match practice ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to begin in Morocco on 17 March.
The unexpected disruption has left the squad and coaching staff in a holding pattern, unable to travel or return home while UAE authorities manage the airspace closures.
The Black Queens were relying on the tournament to fine-tune strategies, test squad combinations, and gain momentum ahead of one of the continent’s premier women’s football events.
Despite the logistical challenges, team officials have assured that preparations remain a priority and that the players are safe and being well cared for while authorities work to resume normal flight operations.
The incident underscores the broader impact of geopolitical conflicts on international sporting events, highlighting how athletes and national teams can be affected by developments far beyond the pitch.
For the Black Queens, the focus remains on staying mentally and physically ready to compete at the highest level once travel restrictions are lifted and the team can continue its journey toward WAFCON 2026.
The team began their 2026 Pink Ladies Cup campaign emphatically, cruising to a 4-0 victory over the Hong Kong women’s national football team on Saturday afternoon in the United Arab Emirates.
The group-stage encounter was played at the Al-Hamriya Sports Club Stadium, where Ghana gradually found their rhythm after a cautious opening spell.
Despite a measured start, the Black Queens asserted control and broke the deadlock in the 28th minute. FC Nordsjaelland forward Princess Marfo capped off a slick team move with a composed finish to put Ghana ahead.
The momentum firmly shifted in Ghana’s favour ten minutes later when Doris Boaduwaa capitalised on a defensive lapse to double the advantage. Her clinical strike ensured the Queens headed into halftime with a commanding 2-0 lead.
After the break, Ghana maintained their attacking intensity. Nottingham Forest forward Chantelle Hlorkah-Boye extended the lead to 3-0 after Hong Kong struggled to clear a dangerous corner delivered by Comfort Yeboah. Boaduwaa had a chance to further increase the tally in the 54th minute after winning a penalty, but her effort was well saved.
There was still time for a memorable moment as Ampem Darkoa Ladies talent Ajegipina Zakaria marked her debut with a superb late goal, sealing an impressive four-goal triumph for the West Africans.
The Black Queens will now shift focus to their second fixture against Russia women’s national football team on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at the same venue.
