Ghana's national women's football team, the Black Queens, commenced their 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign with a decisive 2-0 victory over tournament debutants Cape Verde on Wednesday. This winning start is a significant step in their ambition to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.
The Black Queens, determined to avoid a repeat of their previous WAFCON opening match defeat, secured all three points in the Group D opener. Doris Boaduwaa scored an early goal, and a second-half own goal from Cape Verde sealed the win. This result maintains Ghana's strong record against WAFCON newcomers.
This victory is crucial for Ghana's broader football objectives, as reaching the semi-finals of WAFCON guarantees automatic qualification for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil. A positive start was therefore essential to build momentum for this challenging tournament. The team's performance reflects a focused approach to achieving international recognition and participation.
The breakthrough came just six minutes into the match when Portia Boakye delivered a superb pass to Doris Boaduwaa. Boaduwaa timed her run perfectly and calmly finished, giving Ghana a dream start. This early goal helped settle nerves after both teams showed initial signs of being unsettled.
Ghana maintained more possession throughout the game, despite both sides struggling to find a consistent rhythm in the early stages. Cape Verde found it difficult to make effective decisions in the final third. The Black Queens also made some misplaced passes, failing to consistently connect with their attacking players.
Despite these challenges, the Black Queens remained the more threatening side. Boaduwaa nearly scored a second goal midway through the first half. Ghana also had two close chances from corner kicks, but the finishing touch eluded them. Cape Verde managed sporadic threats, forcing Ghana's defense into a few anxious moments.
Goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan remained composed under pressure, ensuring Ghana maintained their slender lead. Boaduwaa continued to be a significant threat, almost scoring again after excellent work from Alice Kusi created another clear opportunity. Ghana went into halftime with a one-goal lead, which did not fully reflect their dominance in possession and control of the game.
The second half mirrored the first, with Ghana pressing for a goal to secure the match. Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah delivered an inviting cross towards Boaduwaa. Before Boaduwaa could connect, Cape Verde defender Eleia Vieira inadvertently diverted the ball into her own net, doubling Ghana's advantage. This own goal effectively sealed the victory for the Black Queens.
This win temporarily places Ghana at the top of Group D. Their position will be confirmed after the later match between Mali and Cameroon. The Black Queens will return to action on August 2, facing Cameroon in their second group game. This upcoming match will be another critical test in their journey towards World Cup qualification.