Ghana's female U20 side restored some pride for the country's football when holding arch rivals Nigeria to a 1-1 at the Abuja National Stadium in a 2011 All Africa Games qualifier on Sunday.
The Super Falcons put up a stirred up second half performance and went ahead through a wonder strike by Desire Oparanozie.
A defensive mix up however allowed the un-fancied Ghanaians to level later on in the match.
The local crowd was silenced four minutes later when Ghana equalized through Grace Asare who slammed home after goalkeeper Precious Dede could only parry a cross in her path.
The Falcons could have scored more goals but were wasteful upfront.
Nigeria coach Uche Eucharia is optimistic her side can secure the qualification spot in the return leg in Accra in a fornight.
"I am disappointed that we did not convert our chances but this is football and I am confident we will still qualify for the next round," Eucharia told SuperSport.com.
Ghanaians easily dominated the game but justlacked scoring ability to beat Nigeria in their home.
But they left Abuka with their heads high with a 1-1 draw that makes them the favourites in the second leg.
Kuukui Dadsie, the Ghanaian coach was optimistic of winning the return leg match. Ghana.
“We have very a bright chance of advancing in the chase for the All Africa Games ticket," Ghana coach Kuuku Dadzie said.
"The return leg in Ghana would definitely be in our favour. From what I’ve seen of your players we are certainly going to dominate the return leg,†he said.
Ghana football has been battered recently with the Black Satellites, Black Meteors, Black Queens, Black Starlets and local Black Stars failing the country miserably.