Social media users hail Black Queens despite Olympic Games disappointment

Social media users hail Black Queens despite Olympic Games disappointment

Despite their inability to achieve the ultimate aim of qualifying for the Olympic Games, which will be held in Paris, France, players and officials of the Black Queens have been hailed on social media for the dedication and fight they displayed in their two matches against Zambia.

The Black Queens were knocked out of the Olympic Games qualifying series after a 4-3 aggregate defeat to Zambia in the penultimate round of the qualifiers.

A 1-0 defeat in Accra on Friday, February 23, 2024, meant that the Black Queens had it all to play for in the reverse fixture in Ndola, Zambia.

The team showed grit and determination as they battled the Zambians and looked set to take the game played on Wednesday, February 28, 2204, to extra time until a last-minute sucker punch ended their hopes of qualifying for the Olympics for the first time.

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).

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.

Below are some reactions

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

The Black Queens definitely left their mark on a lot of African football watchers including the well travelled expert @UsherKomugisha pic.twitter.com/Jfr405ud0g

— Michael Oti Adjei (@OtiAdjei) February 28, 2024

Let’s get top rated international friendly matches for Black Queens.

— Juliet Bawuah (@julietbawuah) February 28, 2024

Still Black Queens ????????????????????????????

— Saddick Adams (@SaddickAdams) February 28, 2024

This is so painful, especially considering how close we were.

Nonetheless, this is a huge statement by Nora Hauptle’s side. The bravery the team showed today against one of Africa’s best is evident of how far they’ve come. I see progress and I’m proud of the Black Queens ????????

— Mr. Daniel Koranteng (@Dani77k) 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