In a historic encounter at the St. Mary’s Stadium in Southampton, the Black Queens of Ghana were put down by the Lionesses of England on Tuesday night.

The WAFCON 2025 bronze winners, Ghana, faced the defending European champions, England, faced each other for first time in the history of women’s football.

The two-time European champions, who were missing a number of their key players including Lauren James and Hannah Hampton, unsettled the nerves of the Queens as early as the 6th minute.

Upon her return to where it all began in her footballing career, 21-year-old Lucia Kendall, opened her account for England by directing a low shot in the 18-yard area past Cynthia Konlan in Ghana’s goal.

The Black Queens struggled to have a hold on the ball, as England dominated possession throughout the first half, but remained rock solid in defense with Konlan making crucial saves to keep her side in the game.

Benedicte Simon’s first ten minutes for Ghana would be difficult to forget as her failure to clear the ball resulted in England’s opener, but recovered well with assuring displays at the left-back position before being substituted minutes into the second half due to an injury.

The Black Queens, in the second half became more adventurous and daring with constant probing at the goal of England kept by Anna Moorhouse in what was her second ever appearance for her country in the absence of number one goalie, Hannah Hampton.

The Black Queens proved to be a tougher opposition than China PR, who lost 8-0 to the home team days before. Sarina Weigmann would certainly have enjoyed the stiffer competition the Ghanaians presented as Doris Boaduwaa and Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah led the attack.

Second half substitute Alessia Russo sealed the win for England, as Ghana head coach Kim Lars Bjoekegren would proudly walk away with valuable lessons learned.

The Black Queens are gearing up for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations which would be staged in Morocco from March 17 to April 3, 2026.