Ghana’s national women’s football team, the Black Queens, head coach Kim Lars Björkegren unveiled his squad for the upcoming Pink Ladies Cup in the United Arab Emirates.
The selection, confirmed on Friday, 20 February, introduces six debutants to the senior international stage.
These tactical call-ups suggest a deliberate “refresh” by the Swedish tactician as Ghana prepares to test their mettle against global opposition in the desert later this month.
Topping the list of newcomers is Turkey-based goalkeeper Rose Baah. Since her move to Giresun Sanayispor, Baah’s assured performances in the Turkish league have made her an impossible choice to ignore for the national setup.
Her commanding presence in goal provides Björkegren with a high-calibre option between the posts.
Closer to home, the domestic league’s dominant force, Ampem Darkoa Ladies, provides two of the most exciting additions.
Ajegipina Zakaria arrives in Dubai in a rich vein of form, currently sitting atop the Ghana Women’s Premier League scoring charts after 13 matches.
She is joined by club teammate Diana Amoako, a defender who earns a deserved promotion following a commanding domestic season and an impressive stint with the Black Princesses during their FIFA U20 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Sharon Sampson and Helen Alormenu complete the list of additions, offering further depth and flair to the Ghanaian attack.
In a significant boost to the squad’s experience, Alexander Emefa Tay returns to the fold. After a gruelling recovery from a long-term injury, the versatile player is back to full fitness.
Tay previously embedded with the squad during their high-profile training camp in England ahead of their clash with the Lionesses, and her technical ability is expected to provide vital stability to the midfield.
The Black Queens are scheduled to fly out to the UAE early next week ahead of the tournament’s commencement on 28 February.
The Pink Ladies Cup serves as a crucial measuring stick for Ghana’s progress, with the team set to face a diverse range of tactical challenges in matches against Hong Kong, Russia, and Tanzania.
The inclusion of fresh, in-form talent from the local league alongside established European-based stars suggests Björkegren is looking to build a more aggressive and proactive style of play as the Queens hunt for silverware on the international stage.
