Ghana qualified for the 2024 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations despite losing Tuesday’s second leg 1-0 away to Namibia in their dramatic final qualifier.
Black Queens survived an almighty scare against Namibia’s Gladiators to seal qualification for the competition to be played in Morocco next year.
It returns Ghana to the continental stage after agonisingly missing out on qualification for the last tournament in 2022.
It will be the first time the Black Queens will be playing in the WAFCON since they last hosted the event in 2018.
Ghana coach Nora Hauptle named a strong starting XI containing Grace Asantewaa and Doris Boaduwaa but Namibia posed repeated threats.
Boasting a 3-1 lead from last week’s home first leg, the Black Queens conceded early to trail 1-0 in the away return fixture in Windhoek.
The surprise deficit sparked tension as ambitious Namibia sought a famous aggregate upset against their established West African rivals.
A largely even contest ensued with the combative hosts posing repeated threats as they bravely chased the required goals.
Yet despite a defiant effort, the Gladiators ultimately fell just short as Ghana’s quality and experience shone through when it mattered most.
The Black Queens ultimately prevailed 3-2 overall to clinch their place at Morocco 2024 and return to the continental tournament.
Coach Nora Hauptle suffered her first defeat since taking charge recently amid a largely even contest between ambitious rivals.
Despite the defeat, Hauptle can be satisfied progress was achieved from a tricky position in Tuesday’s second leg.
Local stars like Asantewaa and Boaduwaa can now showcase their talent in Morocco next summer.
Source: cafonline.com
