Black Queens lost their first game in the AWCON to Mali on Tuesday afternoon. A brace from Malian striker Bassira Toure was enough to sink the Queens to a defeat.
The Queens were hoping to follow up their opening day win against Algeria with another that would ensure their qualification to the next round But it wasn’t meant to be.
The Malians took the lead in the 25th minute from the penalty spot. Striker Basira Toure stepped up and made no mistake.
Ghana fought hard to get into the game but some poor finishing and controversial refereeing decisions hindered them.
They went into the break a goal down.
Second half the Queens took charge and controlled the game.. Impressive saves from the Malian Keeper denied them on numerous occasions But they eventually had their equalizer in the 60 minute when Elizabeth Addo was brought down after only just coming on as a substitute for Priscilla Okyere minutes ago. She took the resulting penalty herself and slotted it home to bring Ghana back into the game.
Ghana were in the ascendancy and were looking to go for the kill but it wasn’t to be when Malian captain grabbed her brace and eventual winner for Mali in the 75 minute. The Ghanaian goalkeeper Mantey mistimed a clearance from a Malian free-kick and the ball dropped for striker Toure who made sure it hit the back of the net.
The results leaves 3 teams in the group with 3 points with Algeria and Cameroon set to play later in the evening. It’s an open group but Ghana cannot afford to drop points in the final game against Cameroon if they want to qualify for the next round.
