Black Queens qualify for Olympic soccer tournament

Ghana's Black Queens displayed beautiful football artistry and team work to qualify for the Women's Olympic football tournament in Beijing in China after they defeated the Parangras Negris of Angola 2-0 aggregate at the Sunyani Coronation Stadium on Sunday.

Playing before an inspiring crowd, the two teams showed indications of their commitment to carry the day but failed to convert the chances they created into goals in the first 20 minutes of play.

Florence Okoe of the Queens however broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute when she capitalized on a defensive mix up to beat goalkeeper Diomisia Domingos in posts for the Angolans.

After the recess, the Queens who enjoyed massive home support mounted an intensive pressure on the visitors but found the going tough as the Angolan defense centred around Irene Goncalves thwarted many of the attempts at goal.

After the Angolans were reduced in number following the sending off of Veronica Lando for an infringement in the 75th minute, the Queens Anita Amankwaah had a glorious chance to increase her side's goal tally but failed to convert it after she was brought down by the Angolan's defender Lydia Lubano.

Queen's Yaa Avor won the admiration of the spectators on the 80th minute mark when she sent a delicate shot into the net from the right flank through an orchestrated pass from Florence Okoe.

After the second goal the Queens rather surprisingly adopted delay tactics as they teased their opponents with short passes within the center circle to the amusement of the partisan home crowd and bravely defended their goals till the end of proceedings.

FIFA referee Elizabeth Bola Abiboye of Nigeria handled the match.

GNA