Ghana's Black Queens have taken a major step towards the next round of the 2028 Olympic Games qualifiers after securing a 3-0 victory over Mauritius in the first leg of their second-round tie.
The result gives Ghana a strong advantage heading into the return fixture, with the Black Queens needing to protect their three-goal lead when the two teams meet again on Tuesday, 13 October.
Ghana made a fast start to the match and took control before Mauritius could settle.
Ghana made a fast start to the match and took control before Mauritius could settle.
Abigail Kim broke the deadlock in the 16th minute, giving the Black Queens the lead and putting them in a strong position early in the contest.
The advantage was doubled just eight minutes later when Alice Kusi found the net to make it 2-0.
Ghana continued to dictate the game after establishing their two-goal cushion, with Mauritius struggling to contain the Black Queens' attacking pressure.
The hosts were unable to respond before the interval and found themselves further behind in first-half stoppage time.
Benedicte Simon completed the scoring for Ghana with a long-range effort, giving the visitors a three-goal advantage going into the break.
Mauritius showed signs of improvement after half-time and attempted to find a route back into the match.
However, the hosts could not turn their improved performance into goals and were unable to reduce the deficit before the final whistle.
Ghana's three-goal victory leaves them in a commanding position in the tie and gives the Black Queens an important advantage ahead of the second meeting.
The match is part of the second round of the African qualification campaign for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The Black Queens will now return home for the second leg, where they will aim to complete the job and secure their progression to the next stage.
The return fixture will take place in Ghana on Tuesday, 13 October.
With three goals separating the sides after the opening encounter, Ghana will enter the second leg with a clear advantage.
Mauritius, meanwhile, face the difficult task of overturning the deficit if they are to keep their Olympic qualification hopes alive.
For the Black Queens, the victory provides a strong foundation as they continue their campaign for a place at the 2028 Olympic Games.
The focus will now shift to the return match, where Ghana will seek to turn their first-leg success into overall qualification for the next round.
