Black Queens qualify for 2026 WAFCON quarterfinals after a draw against Mali

By Jamaldeen Wiayuka August 6, 2026

Ghana’s Black Queens secured a place in the knockout stage of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after battling to a 1-1 draw with Mali in their final Group D fixture.

The Black Queens knew they needed a positive result to keep their qualification hopes alive and delivered a resilient performance to finish second in the group on goal difference.

Ghana broke the deadlock deep into first-half stoppage time when Evelyn Badu rose highest to power home a superb header in the 49th minute (45+4). The goal, Badu’s first of the tournament, came courtesy of an excellent cross from Comfort Yeboah, giving the Black Queens a crucial lead before the interval.

Mali responded almost immediately after the restart. Five minutes into the second half, Diabate restore parity, leaving the contest finely balanced at 1-1.

Badu appeared to have restored Ghana’s advantage before the 70-minute mark when she found the back of the net for a second time. However, following a VAR review, the goal was ruled out for offside, denying the forward what would have been her brace.

Despite the disappointment, Ghana held firm for the remainder of the match to secure the point they needed to advance.

The Black Queens finished second in Group D with four points, level with Mali but progressing on a superior goal difference. Cameroon topped the group with seven points to qualify as group winners.

Ghana will now shift its focus to the knockout stage, where the Black Queens will aim to build on their determined group-stage campaign in pursuit of continental glory.