Gifty Assifuah scored two goals as Ghana easily won the first leg of their 2024 Olympic Games qualifying match against Benin 3-0 in Cotonou.
In the first half, Doris Boaduwaa, a forward for Spartak Subotica, scored the opening goal for the visiting team, giving the Black Queens an advantage as they return to Ghana.
The Black Queens, who have reached the WAFCON final three times, are now striving for their first-ever Olympic Games appearance after previously eliminating Guinea in the initial round of qualifiers.
In a highly competitive first half, it was the Black Queens who managed to seize the lead when Boaduwaa converted a penalty in the 44th minute.
After the halftime break, the Black Queens sought a second goal and, by applying pressure on Benin, forced the hosts into making an error. Assifuah capitalized on this opportunity and executed a brilliant finish.
Five minutes afterward, Assifuah scored her second goal of the match, demonstrating excellent chest control before unleashing a powerful shot into the top corner, securing Ghana’s third goal.
The Black Queens will welcome Benin for the second leg in Accra next week as they continue their journey towards Paris on the continent.