Algeria 1 - 0 Ghana: Black Queens Shocked By Algeria In African Women�s Championships Opener

The Black Queens of Ghana began their 2014 African Women�s Championships on a poor note after losing 1-0 to Algeria in their group B opener on Sunday evening. Coach Yusif Basigi�s side who were making their 8th African Women�s Championships appearance failed to glitter at the Independence Stadium in Windhoek as they were traumatized by their North African counterparts in a much exhilarating game. Ghana had dominated the entire game until substitute Horiya Affak got the only goal in the match in the 88th minute. The Black Queens failed to utilize the numerous chances that came their way in the first half of the game. Striker Faiza Ibrahim had her thunderous free kick tipped away by the Algerian goalkeeper just 2 minutes into the second half. The burly center forward who seemed to have lost fatigue was however substituted in the 60th minute by Agnes Aduako. The Black Queens could have shot themselves in front in the 63rd minute when Portia Boakye failed to connect an excellent cross from Mercy Myles. A follow up by left-back Cynthia Adobea saw her lay a nice pass to Elizabeth Cudjoe who had her effort miss the post by inches. The Algeria�s who looked promising upfront however showed the threat they could cause when striker Bouhani�s long range strike went wide. Ghana�s Elizabeth Cudjoe became the culprit when she once again failed to connect a well taken low cross from Portia Boakye in the 72nd minute. Coach Yusif Basigi however brought on forward Diana Ankomah for skipper Liticia Zikpi who seemed to have had a quiet game. The change appeared to have brought some bite into the Ghanaian attack as they moved forward in search for the much needed goal. A half volley from Portia Boakye was timely blocked by an Algerian defender in the penalty area. Algeria showed some few peril up front in the closing embers of the game. An ambitious effort from midfielder Fethia Benlazar was never going to trouble Ghana goalkeeper Fafali Dumehesi as they ball went off target. Ghana kept on squandering the chances that came their way. A swift move from Mercy Myles in the 80th minute saw her lay a nice pass into the penalty area of her opponent which saw right-back Hillia Cobblah hitting the ball over the bar. Algeria�s moment of elation came when striker Naima Bouhani who had been a thorn in the flesh for the Ghanaian defense outwitted Fafali in post for Ghana and sent in a wonderful cross for Affak to head home from close range to help her side pick the three maximum points.