The Black Queens have lost their opening match in the maiden Wafu B Women’s Cup 1-0 to host nation Cote d’Ivioire.
Ghana failed to find the back of the net despite total dominance in the opening half of the encounter at Stade Robert Champroux de Marcory in Southern Abidjan on Wednesday.
Coach Marcy Tagoe-Quarcoo’s girls were left to rue their profligacy when the Ivorians broke the deadlock and shut up shop in the second half.
Nina Kpaho Zoté grabbed the only goal of the game in the 64th minute after benefiting from a poor clearance by centre-back Faustina Ampah. She pounced on the loose ball, ran past a helpless goalkeeper Patricia Mantey before slotting home from an acute angle.
Nina Kpaho Zoté, who was voted best player of the match, could have doubled her tally after some enticing displays by the Ivorians in the 81st minute but her shot came off the crossbar.
The Black Queens tried to stage a fightback but were unable to find an equalizer until Benin referee Ligan Aurore blew her final whistle.
In the other Group A match, Burkina Faso thrashed Niger 5-1.
On Thursday, Senegal will battle Togo at 1530 GMT before tournament favourites Nigeria face Mali who replaced Benin at the last minute. The second match of the day kicks off at 1830 GMT.
