Ghana’s Black Queens advanced to the third round of the African qualifiers for the 2028 LA-2028 Olympic Games after defeating Mauritius 10-0.
The Queens won their first leg 3-0 away from home in front of an impressive home crowd at the Essipong Sports Stadium on Tuesday to book a meeting with Zambia in the next round.
Evelyn Badu opened the scoring in the ninth minute, finishing off Josephine Bonsu’s pass, before captain Portia Boakye doubled Ghana’s lead from long range after Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah’s pass in the 27th minute.
Zakaria Ajegipina added a third in the 32nd minute, linking up with a pass from Princella Adubea, who continued to trouble the Mauritanian defense on the wing before being substituted in the second half.
Ghana’s second-half changes boosted their attacking threat. Mukarama Abdulai, who returned to the squad after a long-term injury, scored twice after coming off the bench.
He scored the fourth goal in the 73rd minute, the goalkeeper reacting quickest to save substitute Benedikt Simon’s shot. Jennifer Cudjo then converted a penalty in the 87th minute after Ajegipina was brought down by the goalkeeper.
Stella Nyamekye assisted Nancy Amoh’s goal in the 89th minute, Simon kept the ball in play and set up Mukarama to complete the scoring in stoppage time.
Goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan Afi Amenyeku returned to the starting line-up after appearing in the first game, while Portia Boakye also returned after being rested for the opening match.
The Black Queens will now face Zambia in the third round, scheduled for February 23 to March 6, 2027, as Ghana continues its bid to make its first appearance in the women’s football tournament at the Olympic Games. Zambia eliminated Uganda 5-3 on aggregate in the second round.
Ghana’s previous bid to qualify for Paris 2024 ended with Zambia winning 4-3 on aggregate in the third round. The upcoming match gives the Black Queens another opportunity to defeat the Copper Queens and keep their Olympic dreams alive.
The African qualifiers consist of five rounds, and the continent’s two representatives for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games will be determined at the end of the process.