Ghana’s Black Queens secured a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after battling to a 1-1 draw with Mali in their final Group C match at the Moulay Rashid Stadium in Casablanca.
The result was enough to see Kim Lars Björkegren’s side advance to the knockout stage, where they will face Malawi for a place in the semi-finals.
Ghana went into the decisive fixture needing a positive result after suffering a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in their previous outing. Björkegren responded by naming a strong starting lineup as the Black Queens sought to keep their tournament hopes alive.
The West Africans endured a difficult opening spell but gradually grew into the contest. They came close to taking the lead when Doris Boaduwaa’s powerful effort crashed against the crossbar.
Their persistence was rewarded deep into first-half stoppage time when Evelyn Badu connected with a precise cross from Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah to give Ghana a deserved lead heading into the interval.
The Black Queens dominated possession for much of the opening half and looked in control before the break.
However, Ghana suffered an early setback after the restart when experienced defender Portia Boakye was forced off through injury.
Mali capitalised on the momentum shift and restored parity in the 50th minute, with Diabate finding the back of the net from a well-taken free kick.
Both teams continued to create opportunities in an entertaining second half, but neither could find a winning goal as the contest ended level.
The draw was sufficient to send Ghana into the last eight, where they will take on Malawi with a place in the semi-finals at stake.
Victory in that encounter would not only secure a place in the final four of WAFCON but also earn the Black Queens qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, marking Ghana’s first appearance at the global tournament since 2007.
