Black Queens exhibited a stupendous performance to humble Benin by 0-3 at the Friendship Stadium in the first leg of the second qualifying round of the 2024 Olympic Games qualifiers.
Goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan was entrusted once again by coach Nora Hauptle to keep the post. Skipper Portia Boakye, Doris Boaduwaa, Evelyn Badu, Princella Adubea, Grace Asamtewaa were all named in the starting line up.
The Black Queens of course will take total control of the game right from the blast of the referee's whistle having dominated the game in terms of possession and made some attempts but were all futile.
Benin however, looked much more improved this time from the last time both teams met and looked very compact in defence.
The homesters came close to getting the opener on the 20th minute but a great intervention from goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan save the situation for Ghana.
On the 44th minute, the Queens were awarded a penalty with Grace Asamtewaa being the victim. Serbian-based Doris Boaduwaa stepped up and converted nicely to snatch the lead.
Back from recess, the Beninese returned with the same approach used in the first half as they always stay in their zone on most occasions to watch their opponents have much of the ball.
On the 67th minute, Evelyn Badu had the opportunity to double the lead for Ghana but her effort unluckily went off the upright instead.
Gifty Assifuah finally got the second on the 73rd minute after pouncing on a defensive clanger to find the back of the net before scoring again five minutes later to complete her brace and make it 3-0 for Ghana and that's how it ended.
The Black Queens will play the return leg on Tuesday, October 31, at the Accra Sports Stadium.
