Black Queens beat Mauritius 10-0 on aggregate to set up Zambia clash in LA 2028 Olympic Qualifiers

Ghana’s Black Queens have advanced to the third round of the African qualifiers for the LA 2028 Olympic Games after completing a dominant 10-0 aggregate victory over Mauritius.

The Queens followed up their 3-0 first-leg win away from home with an emphatic 7-0 victory in front of an impressive home crowd at the Essipong Sports Stadium on Tuesday to book a meeting with Zambia in the next round.

Evelyn Badu opened the scoring in the ninth minute, finishing off an assist from Josephine Bonsu before captain Portia Boakye doubled Ghana’s lead in the 27th minute with a long-range effort following a pass from Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah.

Zakaria Ajegipina added the third in the 32nd minute, connecting with a delivery from Princella Adubea, who continued to trouble the Mauritian defence on the flank before being substituted in the second half.

Ghana’s second-half changes further strengthened their attacking threat. Mukarama Abdulai, returning to the squad after a lengthy injury layoff, scored twice after coming off the bench.

She netted the fourth goal in the 73rd minute, reacting quickest after the goalkeeper blocked a shot from fellow substitute Benedicte Simon. Jennifer Cudjoe then converted a penalty in the 87th minute after Ajegipina was brought down by the goalkeeper.

Stella Nyamekye provided the assist for Nancy Amoh’s goal in the 89th minute, before Simon kept the ball in play and set up Mukarama to complete the scoring in stoppage time.

Goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan returned to the starting lineup after Afi Amenyeku featured in the first leg, while Portia Boakye also returned after being rested for the opening encounter.

The Black Queens will now face Zambia in the third round, scheduled for February 23 to March 6, 2027, as Ghana continues its pursuit of a first-ever appearance in the women’s football tournament at the Olympic Games. Zambia eliminated Uganda 5-3 on aggregate in the second round.

Ghana’s previous attempt to qualify for Paris 2024 ended against Zambia, who won their third-round tie 4-3 on aggregate. The upcoming encounter therefore presents the Black Queens with another opportunity to overcome the Copper Queens and keep their Olympic dream alive.

The African qualifying competition features five knockout rounds, with the continent’s two representatives for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games to be determined at the end of the process.