Ghana’s Black Queens have secured a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after drawing 1-1 with Mali in their final Group C match on Thursday.
The result was enough for Ghana to progress to the knockout stage after finishing the group phase with four points.
Knowing that a positive result would secure their qualification, the Black Queens approached the match with discipline and caution as they faced a determined Mali side.
Ghana took the lead in the first half after making the most of one of their limited opportunities in front of goal. The early advantage gave the Black Queens greater confidence while putting pressure on Mali to find a way back into the game.
Mali, however, responded strongly after the break and increased the intensity of the contest. The hosts created several opportunities as they pushed for an equaliser and tried to keep their hopes of progressing alive.
Ghana came under sustained pressure during the second half but remained organised and composed. The Black Queens defended well and worked to control the game as Mali continued to search for a second goal.
The Malian pressure eventually paid off as they found the equaliser, setting up a tense final period.
Despite the setback, Ghana managed the closing stages effectively and held on to the result they needed to advance to the quarter-finals.
The Black Queens’ four points from the group stage were enough to secure their place among the teams continuing in the competition.
Their progression now sets up a quarter-final meeting with Malawi, with Ghana expected to step up their preparations for the knockout encounter.
The Black Queens will be hoping to build on their disciplined group-stage performance and improve their attacking output as they enter the more demanding knockout phase.
