Ghana’s Black Queens have secured a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco after playing out a 1-1 draw with Mali in a tense Group D encounter on Thursday.
The result at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca was enough to send Ghana through to the knockout stage, while Mali were eliminated on goal difference despite finishing level on four points with the Black Queens.
Ghana took the lead shortly before half-time when Evelyn Badu converted a pass from Comfort Yeboah in stoppage time to give her side a 1-0 advantage at the break.
Mali responded strongly after the restart and restored parity just five minutes into the second half through Kadidiatou Diabate, setting up a tense finish as both teams searched for the decisive goal.
Despite creating opportunities, neither side was able to find a winner before the final whistle.
In the other Group D match, Cameroon drew 1-1 with Cape Verde to finish top of the group with seven points, while Ghana claimed second place with four points.
Mali also finished on four points but were edged out by Ghana on goal difference. Cape Verde ended their debut campaign with one point.
The qualification keeps alive Ghana’s hopes of making a deep run at the tournament and securing a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
For Mali, the result ended a spirited campaign, while Ghana now turn their attention to the quarter-finals as they continue their quest for continental success.
