Black Queens coach Nora Hauptle has expressed her satisfaction with the team’s approach in their international friendly against Japan on Saturday, despite the 4-0 defeat.
The Black Queens held Japan to a goalless draw in the first half before conceding four goals in the second half, mainly from set pieces.
The West African side was reduced to ten players just 23 minutes into the game after Captain Portia Boakye was sent off, yet they managed to finish the first half without conceding.
READ MORE: Black Queens suffer 4-0 defeat to Japan in friendly
“We defended with determination, with passion, we closed the center. I think our keeper was outstanding,” Hauptle said after the game.
“In the end, we need to acknowledge that playing an hour against Japan with 10 players, the quality is higher, so all in all I’m okay with the mentality shown and how we took the challenge.”
The Black Queens used the game as preparation for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, while Japan used the match as a warm-up for the Olympics.
