The Black Queens of Ghana lost 2-0 to fierce rivals Super Falcons of Nigeria on Wednesday in the first leg of the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2022 qualifiers.

Uchenna Kanu’s brace was enough to hand Nigeria advantage against Ghana at Mobolaji Johnson Stadium, Onikan.

The breakthrough came for the Super Falcons when Francisca Ordega’s set up to Kanu split, the Black Queens defence and and the strike from Kanu gave the lead to Randy Waldrum’s side in the 22nd minute.

The nine-time winners maintained their pouring attack on the visitors and were rewarded with the second through Kanu’s second of the match from a fine assist from Toni Payne four minutes later.

Ghana threatened the hosts before the break through Grace Asantewaa and Princella Adubea but could not break the solid defence marshalled by Onome Ebi and Osinachi Ohale plus goalkeeping brilliance of Chiamaka Nnadozie.

With a first-leg advantage victory, Nigeria recorded their 11th win over their West African rivals in 18 meetings and will aim to consolidate on their home lead to ensure their passage to the next round.

On the part of Ghana, coach Mercy Tagoe-Quarcoo’s ladies will hope to overturn the two-goal deficit in the return leg at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, October 24.

The winner of the high-profile doubleheader after the Accra second leg showdown will set up a second-round date with either Niger or Cote d’Ivoire.