Black Queens Confront Tough Opposition in 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers

The Black Queens of Ghana are set to face a significant challenge in their quest to qualify for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AWCON). Under the guidance of coach Nora Hauptle, the Ghanaian team will meet the winner of the first-round clash between Rwanda and Egypt in the second round of qualifiers. This marks an important step for the team as they aim to secure a place in the prestigious continental competition.

The second-round qualification matches are scheduled to take place from October 20 to 28, 2025. The format for the qualifiers involves an initial first round with 32 teams competing for a chance to advance. However, the top six ranked teams based on the latest FIFA rankings—namely Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia, Ghana, Cameroon, and Ivory Coast—will be exempt from the first round. This means that Ghana, currently among the top six, will enter the tournament in the second round directly, where they will face a tough opponent from the winners of the Rwanda-Egypt match.

After the first round, the competition will progress to the second round, where the sixteen teams that advance from the first round will join the six exempted teams. This group of 22 teams will then battle it out for a total of 11 available spots in the final tournament. The stakes are high as only the best teams from this round will secure qualification to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

For the Black Queens, the road to qualification is not easy. The team, led by Nora Hauptle, will have to navigate tough competition in their bid to make it to the final tournament. Their opponent in the second round, either Rwanda or Egypt, is sure to be determined, but Ghana is focused on continuing to perform at the highest level to secure their qualification.

The Black Queens have a rich history in women’s football on the African continent and are one of the top teams in Africa. They will be looking to maintain their strong legacy by qualifying for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Their qualification journey will be closely watched, as Ghana has consistently been one of the most competitive teams in African women’s football, and they are determined to maintain that reputation.

As the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations approaches, the Black Queens’ focus will be on securing their spot in the final tournament. Their performance in the upcoming qualifiers will be crucial, and the team’s preparation and determination will play a key role in their success. Coach Hauptle’s leadership will be vital as she guides the team through what is expected to be a challenging qualification campaign.

The Black Queens will also be aware of the importance of this qualification cycle as they look to build momentum for future international competitions. Their aim is to not only qualify for the tournament but also to compete at the highest level and make an impact in the final competition. With a mix of experienced players and emerging talent, Ghana will be looking to showcase their footballing strength on the continental stage.

The Black Queens of Ghana face a tough road ahead as they prepare for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. With the team entering the second round directly, the competition will become fiercer as they aim for one of the 11 available spots in the final tournament. Ghana’s history in African women’s football gives them confidence, but they know they must continue to perform at their best to achieve their goal. The upcoming qualifiers will be a crucial test for the Black Queens, and they are determined to secure their place among Africa’s elite teams.