Ghana could not answer both goals suffered at the hands of England tonight, even though they performed impressively against an obvious superior side.

On Tuesday, December 2, 2025, the Black Queens took on the Lionesses of England for the very first time, the action taking place at the St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, United Kingdom.

The high-level international friendly began at 7 PM, during which England found Ghana's net twice. Were it not for some key saves from goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan Fiindib, the night would have been much darker for the visiting West Africans.

Lucia Kendall, a debutant, found the net early at the 6th minute, later remarking to ITV that it was a "really special moment" since she grew up at St Mary's. 

She was declared the player of the match.

Midfielder Missy Bo Kearns indicated it was not an easy game, evidenced, in her view, by the two goals. 

"I really enjoyed it. It was a tough game. We tried to move the ball quickly and create chances. I think on another day we'd score a few more. It was enjoyable," Bo Kearns said.

Captain Alessia Russo who scored the second goal via a VAR-decided penalty in the 95th minute also assessed the Black Queens. 

"They posed a completely different threat. They were really good, they put on a good show and made it difficult for us. That's what we want in these games pre-World Cup and pre-qualifiers. We want to test ourselves against lots of different playing styles and that's what we got," she said. 

England manager Sarina Wiegman noted, "Ghana were strong in the duels and we wanted runs in the half spaces and get numbers in the box. We had some big opportunities. We weren't that lucky at moments either."

The Lionesses have had 12 wins, one draw, and four losses in 2025, this international friendly being their last game for the year. The last time they lost to an African team was the 3:0 beating from Nigeria in 2004.

While the Lionesses turn their attention to a qualifying campaign for the 2027 World Cup, the Black Queens focus on the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, armed with lessons from their latest encounter.

| Coach Kim Lars Björkegren's Black Queens lineup that faced the Lionesses of England