Wasteful Black Queens held by Kenya

Ghana’s Black Queens failed to exploit their home advantage in their second round 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games qualifier after they were held to a goalless draw by the Harambee Starlets of Kenya at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday.

It was a game that could have been won easily by the Ghanaian attackers if they had utilised the scoring chances that fell their way, with striker Millot Abena Pokuaa being the major culprit.

Pokuaa and Evelyn Badu were denied by the goal post in the 72nd and 84th minutes respectively, opportunities that could have broken the deadlock for the home side which dominated the match.

Pokuaa made a great run down the left only for her effort to be denied by the post, while midfielder Badu got her head on to a great cross but the ball bounced off the crossbar.

The game commenced on a bright note for the Ghanaians who were denied scoring opportunities in the 41st and 45th minutes through solid defending by the Kenyans who kept the tabs on Pokuaa to minimise her threat.

The Ghana forward had made a brilliant run on the right but her cross was hoofed off by the Kenyan defence for a corner kick, and in what proved to be the biggest chance of the match, she was gifted the ball in the box but her one-on-one effort went straight to the goalkeeper.

After recess, Coach Mercy Tagoe-Quarcoo introduced Sweden-based midfielder Ernestina Abambila to replace Priscilla Okyere while Ruth Animah came on for Justice Tweneboaa in the 61st and 77th minutes, respectively.

The changes sought to bring more life into the Ghana team as they went in search of a goal but the resilient Kenyan defenders were alert on all occasions to ensure the home side were denied a goal while the visiting side aimed to capitalise on their home advantage in the return encounter in Nairobi next Tuesday.