Ghana's Black Queens defeated the Mighty Warriors of Zimbabwe 2-1 in the first leg of the All Africa Games (AAG), qualifiers played at the Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday.
Agnes Aduako converted from the spot after advancing Diana Ankomah was fouled in the 29 minutes to unsettle the visitors who until the goal proved impressive.
Zimbabwe came fighting in search of parity before heading for recess and pushed the homers on a few occasions but could not achieve their aim despite the Black Queens living dangerously some times.
After recess, Ghana upped the tempo of the match in search of doubling their advantage, however, their attack lacked the cutting edge to trouble the visitors each time they approached the final third.
Ten minutes into the half, Aduako was presented a brilliant opportunity to record a brace but her effort hit the goal post and rolled to safety to the relief of the visitors.
Ghana Coach, Yussif Bassigi soon replaced Ankomah with Samira Suleman in his quest to pile intense pressure on the Mighty Warriors for another goal.
His substitution paid off moments on when Suleman maintained a cool head in the midst of intense pressure from her two Zimbabwean markers to slot home the Black Queens' second goal in the 54th minutes.
The Mighty Warriors improved thereafter and their effort was rewarded in the 72ed minutes when Emmanuella Maipa pulled one back for her side through a superlative free-kick away from the winners' final third.
The game came alive again with both teams creating many chances which they failed to utilise.
Ghana travels to Zimbabwe in a fortnight for the return fixture.
<<Print>>