The Communications Lead for Ghana’s National Women’s Team, Matilda Dimedo, has expressed disappointment over the treatment of the Black Queens by Raja Casablanca Athletic Women, stating that the team did not receive the respect and hospitality befitting their status.
Speaking on the issue, on Football Made in Ghana with Host Bennard Abieku Okyere on Wednesday, Feb 26, she revealed that the Black Queens’ scheduled match against Raja Casablanca Athletic Women in Morocco was called off due to unfair conditions presented by their hosts.
“The second game could not come on, because Raja Casablanca were not fair to us with regards to the small astroturf they offered us for the game, whilst there was a natural turf to play on – Matilda Dimedo on scrapped friendly
Speaking to @bennardokyere on FMIG.#CitiSports pic.twitter.com/nQHtmqBtSY
— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) February 26, 2025
According to her, despite prior agreements on match arrangements, the team was offered a small AstroTurf, typically used by youth teams, instead of a standard natural grass pitch.
“We are an A-team, a national team of high caliber, and during our pre-match discussions, we had agreed on the necessary arrangements. However, on match day, when we arrived at the academy, we were given a small AstroTurf, which is usually used by U-16 and U-17 teams, despite the availability of a proper natural grass pitch
She emphasized that the technical team, prioritizing player welfare and preparation for upcoming national competitions, decided to suspend the match.
So our technical team came together and decided that due to the players preparing for national competitions, it’s wise to suspend the match for the players
The Black Queens had traveled to Morocco as part of their preparations for upcoming international engagements, i.e. the WAFCON, but the setbacks have raised concerns about fair treatment and proper organization in friendly matches of this nature.
📌 Notice: Game called off due to circumstances beyond our control. #ShineBlackQueens ✨#BringBackTheLove 💕 https://t.co/1XdcxWrQyW
— Ghana Women National Teams 🇬🇭 (@GhanaWNT) February 24, 2025
Despite these challenges, the team remains focused on their objectives, with the Ghana Football Association expected to address the situation and ensure better conditions for future international fixtures.
