The Black Queens of Ghana defeated the Gladiators of Namibia 3-1 at the Accra Sports Stadium, marking a significant advancement toward their goal of qualifying for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup Nations.
Balck Queens had a commanding aggregate lead going into the second leg thanks to goals from captain Portia Boakye and forward Doris Boaduwaa, who added two more.
Veteran defender Janet Egyir was left off of the starting lineup due to her late arrival at camp, but head coach Nora Hauptle still named a formidable 11 for the match against Nambia.
Ghana’s National Women’s Football Team led 1-0 at the half thanks to the Black Queens’ strong start and greater possession percentage.
In the 26th minute, Doris Boaduwaa broke the tie by taking advantage of a cross that the Namibians were unable to clear.
Later, in the 36th minute, captain Portia Boakye doubled the lead for the Queens after bending a cross into the net to make it two goals for Ghana.
In the 57th minute, Doris Boaduwaa scored the third goal for the Black Queens, and an own goal by the Namibians gave them a response.
After ten games, the own goal is the first that Nora Hauptle’s team has given up; in that time, the Swiss trainer has guided the Black Queens to ten victories and 33 goals.
On December 5, the Black Queens will play Namibia at Lucas Moripe Stadium in the second leg.
Ghana was not present at the most recent Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which took place in Morocco. Ghana participated in the 2018 Women’s AFCON, but under former coach Bashir Hayford, the team was unable to advance past the group stage.
