Olympic qualifiers: Barbra Banda’s Late Strike Sends Ghana Packing

The Copper Queens of Zambia have booked a place in the next round of the Paris 2024 Olympic qualifiers after beating Ghana’s Black Queens 4-3 on aggregate in a two-legged encounter. 

Ghana, having suffered a 1-0 defeat in the first leg remained confident of giving their opponent a tough test at the Levy Nwanawasa Sports Stadium to book a place in the next round.

Goals from Gifty Assifuah, Doris Boaduwaa and Azumah Bugre were not enough to give Ghana victory after 90 minutes.

Zambia had a bright start in the game as Kundananji handed the baton over to Banda who settled on a solid finish in the tenth minute. The Queens responded with an attacking force against the homers who responded solid clearances.

Janet Egyir’s long cross from the right flanks landed on the head of Assifuah to get Ghana’s equalizer in the 22nd minute.

Nora Häuptle’s side was more dominant on the field, using the wings as a pathway to break the Zambian defense.

The Copper Queens headed into the first half leading 2-1 on aggregate.

After recess, Boaduwaa’s effort finally paid off with a brilliant finish in the 55th minute but Kabange Mupopo held the excitement six minutes after to make it 3-2 on aggregate.

Bugre stood tall to give Ghana a ticket to level scores in the 64th minute after she managed to leave the Zambian goalkeeper in a state of confusion with a long range shot.

Jennifer Cudjoe’s poor play outside the 18-yard box resulted in a second yellow card leaving Ghana with 10 players on the field.

Banda took advantage of the opportunity to punish the Black Queens in the 95th minute to seal their victory.

The clash was an emotional rollercoaster journey for thousands of Ghanaians who were hoping for a positive result against the Zambians.

The Queens would now shift focus on the forthcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.