2028 LA: Black Queens to face Zambia in final qualifying round

The Black Queens of Ghana will face Zambia in the final qualifying round for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games after securing a commanding 10-0 aggregate victory over Mauritius.

The Queens followed up their 3-0 first-leg win with a dominant 7-0 victory in the return leg at the Essipong Stadium in Sekondi on Tuesday to advance comfortably.

Captain Portia Boakye opened the scoring before Evelyn Badu doubled Ghana’s advantage. Ajegipina Zakaria then made it 3-0 before half-time as the hosts took control of the contest.

Ghana continued their dominance after the break, with their substitutes making a significant impact in the closing stages.

Benedicte Simon marked her introduction with a goal in the 73rd minute, while Jennifer Cudjoe added a fifth in the 87th minute.

Nancy Amoh and Mukarama Abdulai completed the emphatic victory with two late goals to seal a 10-0 aggregate triumph.

The result sets up a reunion with Zambia, who denied Ghana qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games after eliminating the Queens in the final qualifying round.

Ghana will now have an opportunity to avenge that defeat as they seek to overcome the Copper Queens and move a step closer to securing a place at the 2028 Games.

The Black Queens have made significant progress in recent years and will be hoping to translate their improved performances into a historic Olympic qualification.

Ghana have never qualified for the women’s football tournament at the Olympic Games since its introduction at the 1996 Atlanta Games.

With a place at Los Angeles 2028 at stake, the Queens will be determined to overcome Zambia and keep their hopes of a maiden Olympic appearance alive.