Ghana’s Black Queens have suffered a major setback in their quest to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup after losing to Malawi in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The Black Queens were beaten 2-1 by the Scorchers on Sunday at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat, ending their hopes of reaching the semi-finals and securing automatic qualification for the global tournament.
Head coach Kim Lars Björkegren maintained the same starting lineup that featured in Ghana’s 1-1 draw against Mali in their final Group D fixture.
Ghana entered the quarter-final as Group D runners-up, finishing behind Cameroon, while Malawi advanced from Group C after finishing ahead of Nigeria and Zambia.
The Black Queens made a bright start and took the lead after just six minutes through Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, who reacted quickest to a rebound to put Ghana in front.
Ghana came close to doubling their advantage when Evelyn Badu connected with Alice Kusi’s cross, but her header narrowly missed the target.
Malawi, however, responded almost immediately, with Temwa Chawinga finding the equaliser after her effort took a wicked deflection off Ghana midfielder Grace Asantewaa and wrong-footed goalkeeper Cynthia Fiindib.
Doris Boaduwaa then went close to restoring Ghana’s advantage, but her effort from the edge of the box was comfortably dealt with by the Malawian goalkeeper.
At the other end, Cynthia made an important save shortly before the break to deny Malawi from taking the lead, ensuring the two sides went into halftime level at 1-1.
Ghana thought they had regained the advantage shortly after the restart when Boaduwaa found the back of the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a review of the build-up.
Malawi continued to threaten and eventually completed the comeback in the 79th minute after a sustained spell of possession, with Rose Kadzere finishing off the move to put the Scorchers ahead.
The Black Queens were forced to withstand further pressure, with Cynthia producing another crucial save to deny Temwa Chawinga and keep Ghana’s hopes alive.
Despite a late push for an equaliser, Ghana could not find a way past the Malawian defence and suffered a disappointing quarter-final exit.
The defeat means the Black Queens have missed out on automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, while their hopes of returning to the global stage for the first time since 2007 now depend on the playoff route.
Malawi will face Algeria in the WAFCON semi-finals on Wednesday, August 12, at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.
Ghana, meanwhile, will take on Côte d’Ivoire in a playoff in Casablanca, with a place at the 2027 Women’s World Cup at stake.
