Black Queens of Ghana with a top-tier performance to brush side Egypt by an emphatic 0-3 win in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in an exciting first leg fixture in Ismailia.
Kim Lars Bjorkegren fielded literally the same starting XI he’s been using since the WAFCON with skipper Portia Boakye, Doris Boaduwaa, Grace Asantewaa, Hlorkah-Boye, goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan all included.
An explosive start for the Black Queens who came so close to scoring but Alice Kusi couldn’t make good use of the first chance after shooting wide.
As they persist with the incessant pressure on the Egyptian Cleaopatras who literally went in for a low and mid-block, skipper Portia Boakye put through an ambitious pass aimed at Doris but couldn’t make the connection.
Finally in the 42nd minute, Israeli-based forward Doris Boaduwaa opened the scoring account with an intelligent finish after being found by Jennifer Cudje with a stunning pass from midfield.
In the second half, the Egyptians bounced back from the tunnel looking very poised but were a bit aggressive also which eventually resulted into the red card of Habiba Essam Mohammed after a reckless challenge on Grace Asantewaa.
Having suffered a numerical disadvantage in the game, the Cleopatras had no option again than to revert to their old approach where they packed much in the box to avoid conceding.
In the 85th minute, substitute Mary Amponsah made amends from an earlier header miss with a cool finish to double the lead before midfield-maestro Grace Asantewaa scored in the final minutes to seal a crucial 0-3 away victory after full-time.
The return encounter is slated for Tuesday, October 28, at the Ohene Gyan Stadium.
