Black Queens midfielder Evelyn Badu says she is delighted to have helped Ghana secure a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Badu scored Ghana’s goal in the 1-1 draw against Mali in the final Group C match on Thursday, a result that gave the Black Queens the point they needed to progress to the knockout stage.
Although Ghana went into the game hoping to secure all three points, Badu said the team was pleased with the outcome and qualification.
“We’re really happy. Although we wanted to win so badly, at least we got a point and it’s gotten us through to the quarter-finals, which is really important for us,” she said after the match.
The midfielder, who has been one of Ghana’s standout players at the tournament, said the team would now shift its focus to the quarter-final meeting with Malawi.
Ghana has faced Malawi before, but Badu said the Black Queens would not depend on their previous results when the two teams meet again.
According to her, the knockout stage presents a different challenge and requires the team to approach the game with a fresh mindset.
“We’re not going to look at the fact that we scored them. Now it’s something different and we’re going in with a different approach. Winning is just what we’re looking forward to,” she said.
Badu was also pleased to have delivered for the team and the country at an important moment in the tournament.
She thanked Ghanaians for their support and prayers and urged them to continue backing the team as the Black Queens aim to progress further in the competition.
The 2022 WAFCON bronze medallist also spoke about the positive atmosphere within the team, saying the players have different personalities that help keep the camp lively.
Badu added that she remains committed to contributing whenever the team needs her as Ghana targets a place in the semi-finals.
“I’m looking forward to always being productive for the team and helping the team whenever the team needs me,” she said.
The Black Queens will now prepare for what is expected to be a difficult quarter-final encounter against Malawi as they continue their campaign for continental glory.
