Ghana’s Black Queens have qualified for the quarter finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after drawing 1-1 with Mali on Thursday.
The result saw Kim Lars Björkegren’s side finish second in Group D with four points, behind Cameroon, who topped the group with seven after a 1-1 draw against Cape Verde.
The Black Queens needed only a point to progress and showed resilience after Evelyn Badu’s first half stoppage time opener was cancelled out by Kadidiatou Diabaté five minutes into the second half.
Ghana dominated much of the opening period and took the lead in the 45+3rd minute when Comfort Yeboah’s cross found Badu, who headed home from close range.
Mali responded immediately after the break, with Diabaté equalising in the 50th minute to set up a tense finish. Ghana, however, held firm to secure the point that sealed qualification.
The Black Queens will now face tournament debutants Malawi in the quarter finals on Sunday, August 9, with a place in the last four and qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil on the line.
Victory would send Ghana to the WAFCON semi finals for the first time since 2016 and move the team within one win of ending a 20 year absence from the Women’s World Cup.
The Black Queens will also be looking to improve on their third place finish at the 2024 tournament as they continue their bid for a first WAFCON title.
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