The Black Queens of Ghana have officially kicked off preparations in Ismailia, Egypt, as they gear up for their crucial 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifying clash against the Pharaohs of Egypt.

After arriving safely in North Africa earlier this week, the team wasted no time getting to work, holding their first training session under the floodlights at their camp base in Ismailia. The session focused on light drills, tactical coordination, and fitness work as the players begin to acclimatize to the local weather conditions ahead of Thursday’s first leg.

Head coach Kim Lars Björkegren, who recently unveiled his 24-player squad, oversaw the training, emphasizing discipline and team chemistry. Among the notable players spotted in full training were captain Portia Boakye, Chantelle-Hlorkah Boye, Josephine Bonsu, Doris Boaduwaa, Susan Ama Duah, Grace Asantewaa, and Jennifer Cudjoe — all of whom are expected to play key roles in the encounter.

The Queens are determined to secure qualification after their impressive run in the previous WAFCON edition, where they re-established themselves as one of Africa’s top women’s football sides. However, standing in their way is a rapidly improving Egyptian team, eager to make a return to the continental stage.

The first leg of the qualifier will take place on Thursday, October 23, at the Ismailia-Suez Canal Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 16:00 GMT (4:00 PM local time).

As the Queens fine-tune their preparations, Ghanaian fans are hopeful that the team will deliver another spirited performance to bring them closer to another WAFCON appearance.