Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Björkegren has officially selected a 26 player squad for the upcoming Pink Ladies Cup in the United Arab Emirates. This international assignment serves as a vital component of Ghana’s intensified preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. The roster announced on Friday highlights a strategic blend of seasoned veterans and emerging young talents as the technical team seeks to build a formidable unit capable of challenging for the continental title.
The squad features several high profile inclusions that provide the team with essential leadership and top level experience. Notable veterans such as Chantelle Boye Hlorkah, Jennifer Cudjoe, Portia Boakye, and Grace Asantewaa have been recalled to anchor the midfield and defensive lines. Their presence is expected to offer stability to the group as they face diverse international opposition in the UAE, allowing the coaching staff to evaluate the team’s mental and physical readiness for high stakes competition.
In a clear effort to future proof the national team, Björkegren has also integrated several promising prospects into the senior setup. Young talents including Alexandra Tay, Diana Amoako, and Helen Alormenu have earned their places in the 26 player list, reflecting the coach’s commitment to youth development. This tournament offers these newcomers a rare chance to earn valuable international exposure and prove their tactical adaptability alongside established stars before the final WAFCON selection.
The Pink Ladies Cup is designed to function as a rigorous laboratory for testing various tactical formations and building squad cohesion. The technical team intends to use these matches to assess the physical condition of the players and fine tune their strategy against different styles of play. By exposing the squad to international pressure in a controlled environment, Björkegren hopes to identify the most effective combinations for the starting eleven ahead of the major tournament later this year.
As Ghana aims to reclaim its status as a top tier power in African women’s football, the performance in the UAE will be a significant indicator of the team’s current trajectory. The federation and the coaching staff view this preparatory window as an essential step in making a strong competitive statement on the global stage. Success in the Pink Ladies Cup would provide a morale boost and the tactical clarity needed to ensure the Black Queens are fully prepared for the rigors of the upcoming continental championship.
