By: Nana Kwame Bediako
The Black Queens marked their second leg encounter against Zambia with a 3-3 draw, coming off a defeat in the first leg, where they lost by 1-0 at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The result sees the Queens qualification chances for the 2024 Olympics slip away as they lost on aggregate by 4-3.
The match started on a determined note for both teams, but Zambia, being the home side, quickly adapted to the tempo of the game as Barbra Banda scored in the 10th minute of proceedings with a superb finish, leaving the goalkeeper no chance but to allow the ball into her net.
The Black Queens got back into the game in the 22nd minute, a few minutes after falling short, with an excellent goal from Gifty Assifuah, who made sure her side got the needed equaliser moving forward. The first half ended with nothing to separate the two sides.
The second half had a different narrative as the Black Queens took the lead, this time with a brilliant goal from Doris Boaduwaa, who made no mistake with her finish to make it 2-1 to the Black Queens. The Copper Queens replied with an equaliser six minutes later when Kabange Mupopo calmly slotted in her chance to make it 2-2.
With a never-give-up spirit, the Black Queens went ahead again when substitute Azumah Bugri scored in the 64th minute to hand the Black Queens a 3-2 lead and an aggregate score of 3-3.
Tension erupted late in the game as Jennifer Cudjoe recorded her second yellow of the game, which saw her sent off, opening an opportunity for Barbra Banda to score from a free kick, with Vivian Antwi Adjei in goal for the Black Queens struggling to keep it out.
Barbra Banda’s brace ensured Zambia cruised into the next round of qualifiers with a 4-3 aggregate win over two legs.