The Black Queens of Ghana made a strong start to their 2028 Olympic Games qualifying campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over Mauritius in the first leg of their second-round tie on Thursday.
Kim Lars Björkegren’s side dominated proceedings and scored all three goals before half-time to put themselves in a commanding position ahead of next week’s return fixture in Accra.
Björkegren made several changes to his usual defensive setup, handing Margaret Agyapomaa her debut alongside Diana Amoako at centre-back, while Afi Amenyeku started in goal.
Comfort Yeboah and Benedicte Simon operated as the full-backs, with Jennifer Cudjoe, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah and Evelyn Badu forming the midfield.
Abigail Kim led the attack, supported by Alice Kusi and Stella Nyamekye on the flanks.
Ghana took 16 minutes to break the deadlock, with Nyamekye providing the assist. After being released down the right, she delivered a low cross into the box, where Kim finished from close range to give the Black Queens a 1-0 lead.
The visitors doubled their advantage nine minutes later when Kusi converted Yeboah’s precise cross.
Mauritius struggled to contain Ghana’s attacking pressure and conceded a third goal before the interval.
Yeboah was involved again, setting up Simon, who produced a fine finish into the top-left corner to put Ghana 3-0 ahead.
The Black Queens went into half-time with a commanding three-goal lead.
Björkegren made further changes after the break, bringing on Nancy Amoh, Josephine Bonsu and Zakaria Ajegipina as Ghana continued to control the game.
Despite maintaining their dominance in the second half, the Black Queens were unable to add to their advantage as Mauritius held firm to keep the score at 3-0.
Ghana will now turn their attention to the second leg, which will be played at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday, 13 October.
The winner over the two legs will progress to the third qualifying round, where they will meet either Uganda or Zambia.
Uganda currently hold the advantage in that tie after securing a 2-1 victory over Zambia in the first leg.
