In a positive turn of events, Ghana's national women's football team, the Black Queens, have resolved a bonus payment dispute just in time for their crucial Olympic Games qualifier against Zambia. The players, who had been owed outstanding bonuses amounting to $7500 each, had threatened to boycott the match unless their demands were met.
Following intense negotiations involving the players, Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku, Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif, and other high-ranking officials, an agreement was reached to settle the players' bonuses before the game. This resolution comes as a relief for the team, allowing them to focus fully on the upcoming qualifier.
With the players now receiving their overdue payments, the Black Queens are gearing up to face Zambia in the first leg of the qualifier, scheduled for Friday. Despite the bonus dispute, the team enters the match in a strong position, having lost only once in their last 11 outings, with an impressive tally of 10 victories.
However, the Zambian team poses a formidable challenge, having previously featured in the World Cup and boasting talented players such as Racheal Kundananji, the world's most expensive female footballer.
The first leg of the qualifier will be held at the Accra Sports Stadium, and fans will have the opportunity to attend the match free of charge. Subsequently, the teams will face off again in Lusaka five days later for the second leg of the tie.
The winner of this crucial encounter will advance to the final qualifying round, where they will compete against either Morocco or Tunisia for a coveted spot in the Olympics. For the Black Queens, qualification for the Olympics would mark a historic achievement, and the team is determined to make their mark on the international stage.
With the bonus dispute now behind them, the Black Queens can channel their focus and energy into delivering a stellar performance against Zambia. As they strive to secure Olympic qualification for the first time in their history, the team is prepared to give their all on the pitch and showcase their talent to the world.