Ghana’s Black Queens came from behind to overcome a stubborn Kenya side 3-1 at the ongoing Africa Women Cup of Nations at Limbe Stadium on Sunday evening.
Esse Mbuyu Akida got to the end of a Wendy Achieng cross to open the scoring with a fancy volley in the 24th minute to hand David Ouma’s side the lead.
Ghana mounted pressure hereafter in a spirited display to try and equalise but Kenya held onto their 1-0 lead at the half time break.
Four minutes into the second half, Samira Suleiman equalised for the Black Queens to change the tempo of the game much to the pleasure of the fans who made it to the stadium.
A controversial penalty converted by Elizabeth Addo in the 70th minute handed Ghana a 2-1 lead despite protest from the Kenyan camp who disputed the referee’s decision.
More disputation emerged minutes later when the referee seemed to have awarded a penalty to Kenya only to change her mind and indicate for a Ghana goal kick.
Kenya, who seemed undone by the poor officiating, were visibly down and a 90th minute free-kick by Ghanaian striker Portia Boakye sealed a 3-1 victory to ensure they bagged maximum points in their opening tie at the continental tournament that has attracted eight teams.
Nigeria are on top of Group A with three points following their emphatic 6-0 win over Mali while Ghana sit in second place with three points and a +2 goal difference behind Nigeria’s +6. Kenya are in third and Mali in fourth with none.
Nigeria face Ghana on November 23 in a West African derby at the same venue at 3pm GMT before Kenya take on Mali at 6pm.
By Usher Komugisha/Supersport