Black Queens hold off Mali fightback and advance to the Women’s AFCON last eight
Ghana held their nerve to secure a place in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 after battling to a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Mali in a tense Group D decider on Thursday.
The Black Queens knew that avoiding defeat would almost certainly be enough to progress, and they achieved exactly that despite having to withstand a spirited second-half fightback from a determined Mali side at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
Evelyn Badu looked to have put Ghana firmly on course for qualification when she struck deep into first-half stoppage time after being picked out by Comfort Yeboah. However, Kadidiatou Diabate restored parity just five minutes after the restart, setting up a nervy finish as Mali chased the victory they needed to reach the last eight.
The result, combined with Cape Verde’s 1-1 draw against Cameroon in the other Group D fixture, confirmed Cameroon as group winners on seven points. Ghana finished second with four points. Mali also ended on four points but exited on goal difference, while tournament debutants Cape Verde closed their impressive first campaign with a single point.
For Ghana, the draw marked another important milestone under Swedish coach Kim Lars Björkegren as the Black Queens kept alive their hopes of progressing deep into the continental championship and remaining in contention for a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Ghana deliver when it mattered
The build-up to the contest focused on how Ghana would respond after their narrow defeat to Cameroon in their previous outing. That result left the Black Queens needing a positive outcome against a Mali side equally desperate to qualify, creating one of the tournament’s most intriguing final group matches.
As expected, the opening exchanges were fiercely contested. Ghana enjoyed long spells of possession and tried to dictate the tempo, while Mali stayed organised and looked to strike on the counter. The Lady Eagles suffered an early blow when Fatoumata Karentao was forced off injured after just 22 minutes, prompting coach Birama Konaté into an early reshuffle.
Despite Ghana’s territorial advantage, clear chances remained scarce as both teams showed the caution expected in a high-stakes encounter. Just when it seemed the sides would head into the break goalless, Ghana found the breakthrough. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Comfort Yeboah delivered an inviting pass into the box and Evelyn Badu finished calmly to give the Black Queens a priceless 1-0 lead. The goal sparked celebrations on the Ghanaian bench, knowing it put them on track for the quarter-finals.
Mali refuse to surrender
Any suggestion that the goal would settle Ghana’s nerves was quickly dismissed. Mali emerged for the second half with renewed purpose and were rewarded almost immediately. Only five minutes after the restart, Kadidiatou Diabate found space inside the Ghana penalty area and finished clinically to level the scores and revive Mali’s qualification hopes.
The equaliser transformed the contest. Mali pressed higher, sensing a chance to recreate their 2018 heroics against Ghana. The Black Queens were forced to defend with discipline while still looking for openings on the break.
Björkegren responded by introducing fresh attacking options. Stella Nyamekye replaced Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, before Doris Boaduwaa, Linda Owusu and Ajegipina Zakaria were all introduced as Ghana sought renewed energy in the closing stages. Mali also threw on attacking reinforcements as both coaches chased a decisive goal. Despite several promising moments at either end, neither side could find a winner.
When the final whistle sounded, Ghana’s players celebrated knowing the draw had secured their place in the knockout rounds. Disappointment was clear among the Malian squad, whose campaign ended despite collecting four points.
Quarter-final dream remains alive
Before kick-off, Björkegren had urged his players not to lose faith after the Cameroon defeat, insisting the Black Queens had shown enough progress over the past year to believe they belonged among Africa’s leading teams. His faith was rewarded.
Although Ghana could not claim all three points, they demonstrated the composure required in tournament football to navigate one of the competition’s toughest groups. Their reward is a place in the quarter-finals, where the stakes rise further.
With the expanded Women’s Africa Cup of Nations serving as a pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Ghana remain firmly in contention to achieve their long-term goal of returning to football’s biggest stage.
For Mali, the disappointment will be significant after another spirited display, but the Lady Eagles once again showed why they rank among the continent’s most competitive emerging sides. For Ghana, the mission continues. The Black Queens have cleared the first major hurdle. Now they will hope their journey in Morocco is only just beginning.