2026 WAFCON qualifiers: Black Queens players end boycott, resume training less than 24 hours before Egypt clash

The Black Queens of Ghana resumed training on Monday evening for the first time in two days, ending their brief boycott ahead of Tuesday’s crucial second-leg qualifier against Egypt in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The team had refused to train over the weekend in protest over unpaid bonuses amounting to $9,500 per player, stemming from their third-place finish at the 2024 WAFCON in Morocco. The standoff raised concerns about Ghana’s preparation for the decisive fixture.

However, following a meeting on Monday morning with Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku and Director of National Teams Alex Asante, assurances were given that the financial issues would be resolved. As a result, all 24 players reported for the evening training session.

The session was attended by members of the GFA Executive Council, with Okraku visibly present to show support. Training ended on a positive note, as players and officials danced together, indicating a restored sense of unity and renewed focus ahead of the match.

Meanwhile, the GFA has released a statement dismissing media reports that Sports Minister Kofi Adams “called off the bluff” of the players during negotiations, describing such claims as misleading.

Ghana head into Tuesday’s encounter with a commanding 3-0 aggregate lead, courtesy of goals from Doris Boaduwaa, Mary Amponsah, and Grace Asantewaa in the first leg.

Kick-off is scheduled for 15:30 GMT at the Accra Sports Stadium, where the Black Queens will be looking to complete their qualification in front of their home fans.