2028 Olympic Games qualifiers: Black Queens beat Mauritius 3-0 in first leg

In Ghana's opening match of their 2028 Olympic Games qualifying campaign, the Black Queens secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Mauritius on Thursday. The team, led by coach Kim Lars Björkegren, displayed dominant control throughout the match. Margaret Agyapomaa and Diana Amoako made their debuts in the center-back position, while Afi Amenyeku started in goal.

Comfort Yeboah and Benedicte Simon played as full-backs, with Jennifer Cudjoe, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, and Evelyn Badu comprising the midfield. Abigail Kim, Alice Kusi, and Stella Nyamekye spearheaded the attack.

Ghana took the lead in the 16th minute when Stella Nyamekye assisted Jennifer Cudjoe, who found the back of the net from close range after receiving a low cross on the right. Ghana extended their lead nine minutes later when Alice Kusi converted Comfort Yeboah's precise cross. Mauritius struggled to withstand Ghana's relentless attacking pressure, conceding a third goal before halftime. Comfort Yeboah set up Stella Nyamekye again, who displayed great skill in scoring the third goal from a corner into the top-left corner.

Björkegren made further substitutions during the second half, bringing on Nancy Amoh, Josephine Bonsu, and Zakaria Ajegipina. Despite maintaining their lead, the Black Queens were unable to add to their advantage as Mauritius held firm, keeping the score at 3-0 at halftime. In the second leg, which will be played at the Accra Sports Stadium on October 13, the winner of the two-legged tie will advance to the third qualifying round, where they will face either Uganda or Zambia. In that tie, Uganda currently holds a slight edge after defeating Zambia 2-1 in the first leg.