Nigeria Super Falcons failed to snatch an early qualification for semi-final of ongoing Africa Women Cup of Nations after they were held into one all draw by Ghana in a Group B match played at Ominisport Stadium in Limbe.
Florence Amgabeni side got off the fine footing and scored a first half goal through Asisat Ashoala in the 22nd minute before a penalty from skipper Elizabeth Addo saw Ghana salvage a draw.
After an evenly contested first half that Falcons proved the better side kicking of the final half with Halimatu Ayinde shot landing over the net before Asntewaa thwarted her from close range moments later.
A host of Black Queens tactics saw the team mounting attack and they came close when burly defender Cnythia Adobia missed from a set piece.
Skipper Elizabeth Addo then restored parity with two minutes remaining to the end of first half with a well taken penalty after Ugo Njoku commited a foul in the box.
Super Falcons showed intent after the interval as Florence Ordega squeezed an effort off target before, Faith Akidi had a shot deflected wide.
At the other end Kusi Alice thumped a powerful strike inches wide in the 77th minutre tha could ultimately have made Queen grab a win aganist their bitter rivals Nigeria.
Ama Nanawas called into action in the last minutes of the match as she produced a fine save from Asista effort from the edge of the box.
Super Falcons remain top of Group B on goals difference from the Black Queens, and will play Kenya on Sunday. The Black Queens will slug it out with Mali, who were poleaxed 6-0 by Nigeria.
Line ups:
Super Falcons: Alaba Jonathan, Faith Ikidi Michael, Ugo Njoku, Onome Ebi, Osinachi Ohale, Osarenoma Igbinovia, Halimatu Ayinde, Rita Chikwelu (c), Francisca Ordega, Asisat Oshoala, Chioma Wogu
Reserves: Ibubeleye Whyte, Rita Akarekor, Ebere Ngozi, Gladys Akpa, Ngozi Okobi, Glory Iroka, Ijeoma Obi, Uchechi Sunday, Desire Oparanozie, Esther Sunday
Black Queens : Ama Nana Asantewaa, Cynthia Adobia, Rosemary Ampem, Linda Eshun, Janet Egyir, Juliet Acheampong, Safia Abdul Rahman, Priscilla Okyere, Samira Suleman, Elizabeth Addo, Portia Boakye
Reserves: Fafali Dumahisi, Cynthia Adjei, Faiza Ibrahim, Priscilla Saahene, Grace Asare, Kusi Alice, Mary Essiful, Antwi Regina, Florence Dadson, Patricia Mantey
