The Copper Queens of Zambia have secured their spot in the next round of the Paris 2024 Olympic qualifiers, overcoming Ghana's Black Queens with a 4-3 aggregate victory across two legs.
In the first leg, Ghana suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat but remained optimistic of a strong performance in the return fixture at the Levy Nwanawasa Sports Stadium.
Despite goals from Gifty Assifuah, Doris Boaduwaa, and Azumah Bugre, Ghana fell short of victory after 90 minutes of play. Zambia took an early lead with a goal from Banda in the tenth minute, setting the tone for the match.
Ghana responded with vigour, with Assifuah equalizing in the 22nd minute off a cross from Janet Egyir. However, Zambia maintained control and headed into halftime with a 2-1 aggregate lead.
In the second half, Boaduwaa levelled the scoreline with a well-placed finish in the 55th minute, only for Zambia's Kabange Mupopo to restore their aggregate lead six minutes later.
Bugre then pulled one back for Ghana with a superb long-range effort in the 64th minute. However, Ghana's hopes were dampened when Jennifer Cudjoe received a second yellow card, leaving them with 10 players on the field.
Seizing the advantage, Zambia's Banda capitalized on the numerical superiority, scoring in the 95th minute to seal their victory and progression to the next round.
The match was a tense and emotional affair for Ghanaian fans, who had hoped for a positive result against Zambia. With the Olympic qualifiers concluded, the Black Queens will now shift their focus to the upcoming Women's Africa Cup of Nations.