By Kwame Bediako Black Queens endured a challenging international friendly match against the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco at the Pere Jego Stadium in Casablanca on Friday, February 21, 2025. Despite a strong opening, the Ghanaian side struggled to capitalize on their early chances, ultimately falling to a 1-0 defeat. The match began with high hopes for the Black Queens, who dominated possession early on. Doris Boaduwaa fired a second-minute shot that narrowly missed the target, while Sherifa Sumaila’s cross was intercepted by Moroccan goalkeeper Fatima Ezzahra, who proved to be a pivotal figure in the match. Ezzahra’s sharp reflexes and crucial saves kept the Black Queens at bay, denying them a much-deserved lead. Despite their best efforts, Ghana could not break through in the first half, as the Atlas Lionesses remained solid defensively. The breakthrough came in added time, when a defensive lapse by the Black Queens allowed Moroccan forward Saoud Imane to slot home the decisive goal. The late goal underscored the importance of concentration and composure under pressure in high-stakes matches. While the Black Queens neverантаlaterulation, the defensive mistake ultimately cost them the game. The friendly match served as a valuable test for Black Queens coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren, who is in Morocco fine-tuning his squad ahead of the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in July. The tournament, which will be held later this year, will be a crucial benchmark for the team’s progress and preparation. The match also highlighted the quality and resilience of both teams, with the Atlas Lionesses emerging as a formidable opponent for the Black Queens. Looking ahead, the Black Queens will conclude their nine-day training tour with a match against Raja Athletic on Monday, February 24, 2025. This game will provide Coach Bjorkegren with another opportunity to assess his team’s strengths and weaknesses ahead of the continental showpiece in July.