Ghana began their Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign with a 2-0 victory over tournament debutants Cape Verde in their Group D opener on Wednesday.
Doris Boaduwaa put the Black Queens ahead in the sixth minute, converting an assist from veteran defender Portia Boakye.
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The early goal allowed Ghana to control the tempo of the match against the less experienced side.
Ghana doubled their lead nine minutes into the second half when Cape Verde defender Eleia Vieira scored an own goal in the 54th minute during a defensive scramble inside the penalty area.
Ghanaian head coach Kim Lars Björkegren made several tactical substitutions in the second half to maintain defensive stability, bringing on Alice Kusi, Princella Adubea, Abena Opoku, and Evelyn Badu.
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Cape Verde's difficult debut was compounded when Klaydiana Borges received a red card in stoppage time, reducing the island nation to 10 players for the final moments.
The result extends Ghana's unbeaten record against WAFCON newcomers across their 12 tournament appearances.
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The Black Queens now have three points in Group D as they aim to improve on their previous bronze-medal finish.
