Despite their disappointment in failing to qualify for the Olympic Games in Paris, France, players and officials of the Black Queens have received praise on social media for their dedication and resilience shown in their matches against Zambia.
Although they were ultimately eliminated from the Olympic Games qualifiers with a 4-3 aggregate loss to Zambia, the Black Queens fought hard in both legs of the contest.
Following a 1-0 defeat in Accra on Friday, February 23, 2024, the Black Queens faced a challenging task in the return fixture in Ndola, Zambia.
Despite the setback, the team exhibited determination and resilience as they battled against Zambia.
Their performance in the match played on Wednesday, February 28, 2204, was commendable, with the team looking poised to force the game into extra time.
However, their hopes were dashed by a last-minute goal, ending their quest for Olympic qualification.
How the game unfolded
Zambia took the lead in the thrilling contest through their skipper, Barbra Banda, in the 11th minute.
Gifty Assifuah pulled Ghana level four minutes later, with the first half ending 1-all.
Ghana claimed the lead five minutes after recess through Doris Boaduwaa.
Kabange Mupopo pulled parity for the Copper Queens and reclaimed the lead on aggregate in the 61st minute.
Four minutes later, substitute Azumah Bugri put Ghana in front again and levelled the aggregate score.
The Queens were well on course to force the game into extra time but conceded a freekick at the edge of the box with a few seconds to end the game. Jennifer Cudjoe, who was the culprit, picked up a second booking and got sent off.
Barbra Banda stepped up for what was the last kick of the game and dispatched the freekick beautifully to restore parity and put Zambia back in the lead on aggregate (4-3).
Dear Black Queens ..I Salut you and we are proud of you ..????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????you never gave up ????????????????????????keep going and growing together ????????????????????????????????
— Anthony Baffoe ???????????????????????? (@AnthonyBaffoe) February 28, 2024
This is what proper show working means
Nora Hauptle ❤️????
What a transformation she’s brought to the Black Queens ????????
In a year or two time we will be competing with the big teams on the content, Nigeria ????????, South Africa ????????, fasten your belts Ghana ???????? is coming!!!! pic.twitter.com/E9ss0WXlTi
— Mutala Yakubu???????? (@Mutalayakubu10) February 28, 2024
Full Time:
Zambia ???????? 3-3 Ghana ???????? (4-3 agg)
The Black Queens’ journey to Paris 2024 ends in heartbreak in Ndola.
Gallant performance from the Queens nonetheless. I’m very proud of them.
— Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo (@Fentuo_) February 28, 2024
Gallant Black Queens. Mighty proud of you. The sky is your oyster. Better days ahead.
— Veronica Commey (@VeronicaCommey) February 28, 2024
I don't recall being this tense about a Black Queens match.
— Gary Al-Smith (@garyalsmith) February 28, 2024
Gutted not to have seen the team advance but credit to this coach Nora who has done an incredible job with the the Black Queens. Give her the necessary support and time. She will make sure the team rub shoulders with the Elite soon pic.twitter.com/YgCDHg4ilz
— Ayim Derrick (@Derrick_Ayim10) February 28, 2024
If there was any national team whose bonuses should be paid even before they kick a ball, it should be the BLACK QUEENS how do we empower women when we treat our dear women like this? pic.twitter.com/BwU8pCNVlx
— Chief Seidu Adamu ???????? (@Chiefseiduadamu) February 21, 2024
Social media reactions
On social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), the Black Queens are being hailed by Ghanaians for the sheer dedication and fight they displayed in the game.
Some Ghanaians also applauded head coach Nora Hauptle for the improvement the team has experienced since her arrival.