Black Queens Dominate Egypt 3–0 to Close in on 2026 Women’s AFCON Qualification
Ghana’s Black Queens took a giant stride toward securing a place at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a commanding 3–0 victory over Egypt in the first leg of their second-round qualifier on Friday night.
It was a statement performance from Nora Häuptle’s side, who combined discipline, teamwork, and attacking flair to outclass their North African opponents. The Queens dictated the tempo from the start, controlling possession and creating several chances before finally breaking the deadlock.
The breakthrough came in the 42nd minute, when Doris Boaduwaa latched onto a clever through-ball to slot home the opener, giving Ghana a deserved lead just before the interval.
After the break, Egypt attempted to find their rhythm, but Ghana’s defensive line — marshalled by Portia Boakye and Azumah Bugri — stood firm. As the visitors pushed forward, the Black Queens capitalized on spaces left behind.
Rising star Mary Amponsah doubled Ghana’s advantage in the 85th minute, finishing off a swift counterattack to make it 2–0. Moments later, Grace Asantewaa sealed the win in stoppage time with a composed strike from the edge of the box, sending the Accra Sports Stadium into celebration.
The result leaves Ghana with one foot in next year’s AFCON finals, giving them a commanding cushion ahead of the return leg in Cairo. A draw or even a narrow defeat would be enough to see them through to the continental showpiece.
Speaking after the match, head coach Nora Häuptle hailed her team’s focus and execution:
“We played with purpose and belief. The girls followed the plan perfectly and showed great character. But we’re not done yet — we’ll go to Egypt with the same hunger to finish the job.”
With this performance, the Black Queens have not only edged closer to qualification but also sent a powerful reminder to the rest of Africa that Ghana is back — determined, united, and ready to reclaim its place among the continent’s elite.
