Ghana’s Black Queens will face Malawi in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after sealing qualification from Group D with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Mali on Thursday.
The result saw the Black Queens finish second in the group with four points, behind Cameroon, who topped the standings with seven points after a 1-1 draw against Cape Verde.
Ghana’s reward is a last-eight meeting with Malawi, with a place in the semi-finals and a coveted ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil at stake.
Kim Lars Björkegren’s side showed resilience to secure the point they needed against Mali after Evelyn Badu’s first-half stoppage-time opener was cancelled out by Kadidiatou Diabaté early in the second half.
The Black Queens had dominated much of the first half and finally made their pressure count in the 45+3rd minute when Comfort Yeboah delivered an inviting cross for Badu to head home.
However, Mali responded almost immediately after the restart, with Diabaté finding the equaliser in the 50th minute to ensure a tense finish.
Goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan made important saves to preserve the draw, while Ghana remained organised defensively to withstand Mali’s pressure and protect the result that secured qualification.
Attention now turns to Malawi, a side Ghana know well after the two teams met in a pre-tournament friendly on July 23, 2026.
On that occasion, the Black Queens produced an emphatic 4-0 victory, a result that will give them confidence heading into the knockout encounter, although tournament football is expected to present a much sterner test.
The quarter-final carries enormous significance, with a place in the WAFCON semi-finals and qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil on the line. Victory would also see Ghana return to the continental last four for the first time since 2016.
Having shown resilience throughout the group stage, the Black Queens will be aiming to build on their momentum and end a World Cup absence stretching back to their appearances in 1999, 2003 and 2007.
Kim Lars Björkegren’s side will be hoping to reach the global stage for the first time in two decades.
