Ghana opened the 2018 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a slender 1-0 victory over Algeria at the Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday. 

Defender Gladys Amfobea struck gold to give the Black Queens a winning start to their campaign. 

The  Black Queens put on the pressure as expected but failed to make their final balls into the area count, frequently finding the Algerian defence. 

However, they finally found a way through in the 12^th minute when Amfobea scored with a volley from outside the box. 

Algeria settled after the goal and began to push forward but were restricted to long-range efforts and set-pieces that never really threatened an equaliser.

The Black Queens managed to double their lead in the second half but the goal was correctly ruled out for offside.

Ghana, who are seeking a first title after being runners-up three times, meet Mali in Group A on Wednesday, when Algeria face Cameroon.

The top three teams at this year's Nations Cup will qualify for next year's Women's World Cup in France.