The 2026 edition of the Pink Ladies Cup concluded unexpectedly in the United Arab Emirates, with the Ghana women’s national football team being declared champions after the tournament was cut short. The Black Queens topped the standings following an impressive campaign marked by clinical attacking displays and defensive solidity.
Ghana dominated their two completed fixtures, registering consecutive 4-0 victories over Hong Kong and Russia. The results pushed the Black Queens to six points, with eight goals scored and no goals conceded, placing them firmly at the summit of the table before the competition was halted.
The planned final match against Tanzania, which was expected to determine the ultimate winner, was eventually cancelled by the tournament organizers. After the decision, officials visited the team’s hotel in Sharjah on Friday to formally hand over the championship trophy alongside gold medals to the players and technical staff.
Head coach Kim Lars Björkegren expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance throughout the competition, describing the win over Russia as one of the squad’s most complete showings since he assumed leadership of the side.
Several players stood out during the tournament, particularly striker Doris Boaduwaa and debutant Ajegipena Zakaria, whose contributions were crucial to Ghana’s high-scoring performances across the matches.
The triumph arrives at a perfect time for the Black Queens as they continue preparations for the rescheduled 2026 women’s Africa Cup of Nations. The continental tournament is now slated for July 2026, and the squad is expected to return from the UAE shortly to resume their buildup toward the championship.