The senior female national team, Black Queens suffered a big blow in the first leg of their doubleheader against Zambia on Friday at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The two nations pitted against each other were gunning for a slot at the 2024 Olympic Games to be staged in Paris, France, later this year.
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The home team was coming into this game with a rich vein of form, having won 10 of their last 11 games across all competitions.
Coach Nora Hauptle named a strong starting lineup, with Portia Boakye captaining the side, Evelyn Badu, Doris Boaduwaa, Jennifer Cudjoe, Grace Asantewaa, Anastasia Achiaa, and Freda Ayisi handed her debut.
The Copper Queens of Zambia took an early lead through Rachel Kundananji on the 18th-minute mark.
The home side tried to get back into the game with efforts from Badu, Boaduwaa, and Asantewaa but their efforts failed to find the back of the net.
After the recess, Sherifatu Sumaila subbed for Freda Ayisi and sat in the hope of an equalizer.
The Black Queens intensified their efforts for an equalizer but their guest stood their ground resolutely to protect and defend their slender lead from the first half to the end of the game.
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The Ghanaian side will be hoping for an improved result when they travel away for the second leg slated for February 28, 2024.
