The Black Queens of Ghana have taken a significant step towards qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games with a convincing 3-0 win over Mauritius in their second-round qualifier. The match, which was played on October 8, 2026, saw Ghana's national women's football team dominate the game, despite taking time to settle. The win gives Ghana a crucial advantage heading into the second leg of the fixture.
Coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren made several changes to his regular backline, opting for a new centre-back partnership between Diana Amoako and debutant Margaret Agyapomaa. Afi Amenyeku got the nod in goal, while Comfort Yeboah and Benedicte Simon started as fullback options. The team's strategy seemed to pay off, as they managed to keep a clean sheet and score three goals. The Black Queens' starting lineup also included Jennifer Cudjoe, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, and Evelyn Badu in the middle, with Abigail Kim leading the line.
The Black Queens took the lead in the 16th minute, with Stella Nyamekye's low cross finding Abigail Kim, who scored from close range to make it 1-0. Nine minutes later, Alice Kusi also recorded her name on the scoresheet, having been found by Yeboah's inch-perfect cross. The Mauritius defense was breached again before halftime, with Yeboah passing to Simon, who hit a sweet ball into the top left corner to extend the Black Queens' advantage.
The Black Queens headed into the break with a three-goal advantage, which they managed to maintain throughout the second half. Despite dominating the game, they were unable to add to their advantage. Coach Bjorkegren made several substitutions, introducing Nancy Amoh, Josephine Bonsu, and Zakaria Ajegipina. The team's focus now shifts to the second leg of the fixture, which is scheduled for October 13 at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The win is a significant boost to Ghana's Olympic qualification hopes, with the Black Queens seeking to play at the summer games for the first time. The team's performance was impressive, with several players making their mark on the game. Abigail Kim, Alice Kusi, and Benedicte Simon were among the standout performers, scoring goals and creating scoring opportunities.
The Black Queens' qualification campaign is being closely followed by football fans in Ghana and beyond. The team's success could inspire a new generation of female footballers in the country. The Ghana Football Association and the Ministry of Sports are expected to provide support to the team as they prepare for the second leg of the qualifier.
The second leg of the fixture will be played on October 13 at the Accra Sports Stadium. The Black Queens will look to build on their advantage and seal a spot in the next round of the Olympic qualifier. With a convincing 3-0 win in the first leg, they are well-positioned to achieve their goal.
Key points
- The Black Queens won the first leg 3-0 against Mauritius.
- The second leg of the fixture is scheduled for October 13 at the Accra Sports Stadium.
- The Black Queens are seeking to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games for the first time.
