Ghana settled for a 2-2 stalemate with South Africa in the opening leg at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The Black Princesses struck first on 33 minutes through Agnes Yeboah to seize early control.
Ghana nearly doubled the advantage before the break when Diana Amoako’s effort from distance crashed off the upright.
The visitors responded swiftly after halftime, drawing level three minutes into the second period.
Linda Owusu Ansah restored Ghana’s lead in the 52nd minute, turning in from a set piece.
A lapse at the back soon proved costly as South Africa capitalised to make it 2-2 on the hour mark.
The Princesses raised the tempo in search of a winner and pinned their opponents back.
Late drama followed when Jessica Appiah found the net in stoppage time, only for the flag to deny her.
With the tie delicately poised, both sides now turn attention to the decisive return fixture.
Ghana travel to South Africa on Saturday, February 14, 2026, with a place in the final qualifying round at stake.
