Paris 2024: Black Queens crash out of Olympic qualifiers by Zambia

Ghana put up a world-class showing in Ndola but conceded a last-gasp goal to exit the Olympic Games qualifiers on a 4-3 aggregate score.

The Black Queens went into the game hoping to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the 1st leg. But it was the host who drew the first blood in the opening minutes.

Zambia took an early lead through Barbara Banda, but Ghana responded with a fine finish from Gifty Assifuah as the teams went into the break on level pegging.

Back from the interval, Doris Boaduwaa netted to give Ghana a 2-1 advantage, bringing the aggregate score to 2-2. But Zambia replied inside 61 minutes to make it 2-2.

Azumah Bugri scored to give Ghana a 3-2 lead as she leveled matters in the 64th minute.

Ghana were reduced to 10-players after Jennifer Cudjoe was shown the exit following a second yellow card in the 96th minute.

Barbara Banda sscored her second of the day inside 97 minutes to give Zambia a 4-3 aggregate victory that ends the Black Queens’ quest for a historic first Olympic appearance as Zambia advance to the final round of qualifiers.