The Black Queens of Ghana suffered a 2-0 defeat to defending champions South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in their 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) opener.
Linda Motlhalo scored a penalty in the 27th minute after a VAR decision, and Jermaine Seoposenwe sealed the win with a low drive that beat Ghanaian goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan Findib.
Despite the loss, Ghana showed improvement in the second half, hitting the post twice with Alice Kusi’s long-range strike and Evelyn Badu’s header.
The Black Queens will look to bounce back against Mali on July 11 in Berkane, Morocco.
Ghana’s coach, Kim Lars Bjorkegren, had expressed optimism about his team’s progress, despite being the underdogs.
The team is seeking to reclaim its former glory in African women’s football after a seven-year absence from the tournament.
Ghana’s next game is against Mali on July 11.