Ghana’s senior women’s national team, the Black Queens, will no longer participate in the three-nation tournament that was scheduled to take place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, during the June FIFA international window.
The competition, which was set to run from June 1 to June 9, was expected to bring together hosts Tanzania, Ghana and Malawi as part of preparations for major continental assignments later this year.
The Black Queens had initially accepted the invitation and were expected to use the tournament as an opportunity to fine-tune their squad ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
However, plans have changed, with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) confirming that the team will not travel to Tanzania after a decision was taken to withdraw from the competition.
In a statement announcing the development, the GFA said, “Ghana Black Queens have withdrawn from the upcoming three-nation women’s tournament scheduled to take place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania during the June FIFA international window.”
The withdrawal means the Black Queens will now remain in Ghana throughout the international break as preparations continue at home.
Focus Shifts To WAFCON Preparations In Accra
Although the Tanzania tournament would have provided competitive international action, the technical team is expected to continue its preparations in Accra.
The GFA indicated that preparations would continue despite the cancellation of the Tanzania trip, stating that “The Black Queens are now expected to continue preparations in Accra during the FIFA window and play friendly matches in Accra.”
Arrangements are being made for alternative activities during the FIFA window, including possible friendly matches that will allow the squad to maintain momentum ahead of the continental championship.
The upcoming WAFCON remains the primary focus for Ghana’s women’s national team. The tournament was originally scheduled to take place in March but was postponed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) due to logistical challenges and it has now been rescheduled to run from July 25 to August 16.
With the revised dates approaching, the Black Queens are entering a crucial phase of their preparations. The coaching staff led by head coach, Kim Lars Björkegren, is expected to use the period to assess players, strengthen tactical approaches and build cohesion within the squad before the tournament begins.
The team has steadily re-established themselves as one of the strongest women’s national teams on the continent in recent years. Their performances at the previous WAFCON in Morocco demonstrated significant progress and renewed optimism around the team’s prospects.
After years of struggling to make a major impact at the continental level, Ghana returned to the podium at the last edition of the competition by securing a bronze medal.
That achievement was viewed as a significant milestone in the team’s rebuilding process and has raised expectations ahead of the next tournament to be held in Morocco once again.
The decision to remain in Ghana could offer the technical team greater control over training schedules and player management as attention turns fully toward WAFCON.
While the absence from the tournament in Tanzania denies the team additional international match experience, it also provides an opportunity to focus on specific areas of development without the demands of travel.
Ghana’s ultimate objective remains unchanged. The Black Queens will head into WAFCON aiming to challenge the continent’s leading sides and pursue a historic first continental title. Despite being one of Africa’s most respected women’s football nations, Ghana is yet to lift the WAFCON trophy.
The team will once again face stiff competition from traditional powerhouses, including Nigeria’s Super Falcons, who remain the most successful side in the history of the tournament.
Nevertheless, confidence within the Black Queens camp has grown following their recent progress, and there is renewed belief that they can compete for top honours.
With the FIFA window now set to be spent in Accra, attention turns to the friendly matches and training sessions that will shape the final stages of Ghana’s preparations as the Black Queens continue their pursuit of continental glory.
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