In a redemption and relief situation at the Accra Sports Stadium, Ghana’s Black Queens crushed Egypt 4-0 to seal qualification for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. The emphatic victory not only confirmed their place at the continental showpiece but also ended days of tension over unpaid bonuses that had threatened to derail their campaign.
The buildup to the second leg was far from smooth. Frustrated by delayed payments, the Queens had considered boycotting the decisive clash, forcing an emergency meeting between the Sports Minister, Kofi Adams, and Ghana Football Association president, Kurt Okraku. After reassurances from both parties, the team agreed to play, determined to let their football speak louder than the controversy.
They did just that. Following a 3-0 win in Ismailia, Ghana returned home and delivered another masterclass. The Accra crowd roared with every goal as the Black Queens showcased their attacking flair, sealing a 7-0 aggregate win and booking their ticket to Morocco in style.
After the match, Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams confirmed the long-awaited news that lifted the mood even higher. “Black Queens’ bonuses have been paid. The players have been given their cheques after the game against Egypt in Accra,” he told Samuel Appiah (Woezor TV), confirming that both players and officials had received their due rewards.
It was a significant moment for a team that has long battled financial and logistical challenges. Their qualification marks a return to prominence for Ghanaian women’s football, which has struggled for consistent support despite producing generations of talent.
With the bonus saga resolved, attention now turns to the road ahead. The 2026 WAFCON in Morocco offers more than just continental glory where a semifinal finish would guarantee a spot at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
