Black Queens take first-leg advantage with 3-0 win over Egypt
By Victor Kwawu
The Black Queens demolished Egypt 3-0 in Ismailia to keep their hopes alive for the 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations. Goals from Doris Boaduwaa, Mary Amponsah, and Grace Asantewaa at the Suez Canal Stadium proved decisive as Egypt struggled to create any meaningful chances.
The win puts Ghana in a strong position ahead of the return leg on Tuesday, October 28, at the Accra Sports Stadium. The aggregate winner will qualify for next year’s continental tournament in Morocco, where Ghana aims to build on their third-place finish in the last edition.
Egypt started brightly, pressing high and creating early openings, but failed to trouble goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan. The Black Queens gradually found their rhythm, with midfield duo Jennifer Cudjoe and Grace Asantewaa dictating play and bringing stability.
Just before half-time, Ghana broke the deadlock. Cudjoe threaded a precise pass through the Egyptian defence to find Boaduwaa, who finished neatly from close range to make it 1-0.
After the break, the Black Queens maintained their dominance and gained a numerical advantage when an Egyptian player was sent off for a reckless challenge on Asantewaa. Ghana used the extra space to push higher up the pitch and create more chances.
Josephine Bonsu’s free kick struck the post before substitute Mary Amponsah doubled the lead with a composed near-post finish after Princess Marfo’s header was initially saved.
Grace Asantewaa capped the performance with a fine strike late in the game, putting the match beyond doubt and leaving the Cleopatras with a mountain to climb in Accra.
This fixture marked the Black Queens’ first game since finishing third at WAFCON 2024. They will host Egypt in Accra on Sunday, hoping to secure qualification to the next stage of the tournament.
