Ghana coach, Isaac Paha says the Black Queens would need to be at their best ahead of the crucial second leg playoff in Accra against Ivory Coast for a qualifying place at the 6th Africa Women Championship.

The Black Queens were denied victory by the Ivorians in the closing stages of the 1-1 drawn game on Saturday at the Stade Du Robert Champroux de Marcory.

Paha, who is confident of guiding Ghana to the finals of the competition to be hosted by Equatorial Guinea later this year, says his team was really tested by the Ivorians.

“We were surprised by the quality of play produced by the Ivorian team. But we will go back and prepare adequately for the second leg to qualify for the championships,” the Ghana coach said after Saturday’s game.

The return clash would be in Accra on March 8 as Ghana attempts to secure a place in the finals of the 6th Africa Women Championship.

However, Paha’s opposite member in charge of the Ivorian team, Koudougnon Adelaide remains happy with their fighting spirit that saw them rally back from a goal down to force a draw against Ghana.

“The game was very tough for my players who had a bad start. But to come back and get a draw, I think it’s a good result,” said Adelaide who remains optimistic ahead of the second leg in Accra in a fortnight.

Fourteen teams are the hunt for the seven qualifying places available for the championship to be hosted by Equatorial Guinea.