Ghana opened their 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign in impressive fashion with a convincing 2-0 victory over tournament debutants Cape Verde in their Group D opener on Wednesday.
The Black Queens made a dream start, breaking the deadlock just six minutes into the contest through Doris Boaduwaa.
The forward applied a composed finish from close range after being brilliantly picked out by experienced defender Portia Boakye, giving Ghana an early advantage.
The early goal allowed Kim Lars Björkegren’s side to dictate proceedings, with the Black Queens enjoying the lion’s share of possession and controlling the tempo throughout the first half.
Cape Verde struggled to create meaningful openings as Ghana’s organised defence kept their opponents at bay.
Ghana’s pressure eventually produced a second goal nine minutes after the restart. Under sustained pressure inside the penalty area, Cape Verde defender Eleia Vieira inadvertently diverted the ball into her own net, doubling the Black Queens’ lead and putting the result beyond doubt.
The Black Queens continued to dominate the contest, moving the ball confidently and restricting Cape Verde to limited opportunities in front of goal.
Goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan was rarely called into action as Ghana comfortably managed the game.
Björkegren freshened up his side in the second half, introducing Alice Kusi, Princella Adubea, Abena Opoku and Evelyn Badu from the bench to help maintain the team’s intensity and secure a clean sheet.
Cape Verde’s difficult afternoon ended on a disappointing note when Klaydiana Borges received a straight red card deep into stoppage time, forcing the tournament newcomers to finish the match with 10 players.
The victory gives Ghana the perfect start in Group D as the Black Queens aim to better their bronze medal finish from the previous edition of the competition.
The result also underlined the experience of a side making its 12th WAFCON appearance against a Cape Verde team playing at the finals for the first time.
Despite the defeat, Cape Verde can take pride in reaching the tournament after a memorable qualification campaign, marking a historic milestone for women’s football in the island nation.
The Black Queens will now turn their attention to their second Group D fixture against Cameroon on August 2, while Cape Verde will look to bounce back in their next outing.
