Black Queens beat Egypt to close in on WAFCON qualification

Ghana took a giant step toward qualifying for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after securing a 3-0 win over Egypt in the first leg of their qualifier at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium.

A goal each from Doris Boaduwaa, Mary Amponsah and Grace Asantewaa handed the Black Queens a crucial away victory in Egypt.

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Head coach Kim Lars Björkegren named a strong starting lineup, with Boaduwaa leading the attack, supported by Alice Kusi and Stella Nyamekye from the wings. The usual midfield trio of Grace Asantewaa, Jennifer Cudjoe, and Chantelle Boye also started.

The Black Queens began brightly and nearly took the lead when Alice Kusi, after a brilliant one-two with Boaduwaa and Nyamekye, was put through on goal but dragged her effort wide.

Egypt responded with a long-range strike that tested Cynthia Konlan, but the Ghanaian goalkeeper dealt with it comfortably.

Ghana came close again after the hosts failed to clear Portia Boakye’s effort, though Boaduwaa’s follow up went narrowly wide. The Egyptians threatened on the half-hour mark, but Konlan was alert to deny them.

The breakthrough arrived in the 40th minute when Jennifer Cudjoe found Boaduwaa with a precise pass, and the forward made no mistake from close range to give Ghana the lead.

Moments later, Susan Duah almost doubled the advantage, but her header was saved by the Egyptian goalkeeper as the first half ended 1-0 in favour of Ghana.

After the break, Ghana continued to dominate. Jennifer Cudjoe went close from the edge of the box, while Josephine Bonsu’s header rattled the crossbar in the 60th minute.

Substitute Mary Amponsah also saw her header come off the bar before finally doubling Ghana’s lead in the 85th minute.

In added time, Grace Asantewaa sealed the win with a fine strike to make it 3–0, putting the game well beyond the hosts’ reach.

Ghana held on to secure a 3-0 win ahead of the return leg in Accra.

The Black Queens will host Egypt at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday as they look to seal qualification for next year’s WAFCON in Morocco.

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