Ghana’s World Cup hopes suffer setback as Malawi reach WAFCON semi-finals

Ghana’s Black Queens must now rely on a playoff to keep their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Women’s World Cup alive after a 2-1 defeat by Malawi in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

A late goal from Rose Kadzere ended Ghana’s campaign at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat on Sunday, 9 August, while Malawi secured their place in the semi-finals and ended Ghana’s chance of automatic qualification for the World Cup.

Kim Lars Bjorkegren named the same starting XI that drew with Mali in Ghana’s final group match. Evelyn Badu and Comfort Yeboah both retained their places in the team.

The Black Queens had reached the quarter-finals as runners-up in Group D, finishing behind Cameroon. Malawi topped the standings ahead of Nigeria and Zambia in Group C.

Ghana made the stronger start and took the lead after only six minutes. Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah reacted quickest to a rebound and finished to put the Black Queens in front.

They almost doubled their advantage when Alice Kusi delivered a cross for Evelyn Badu, but Badu’s header drifted narrowly wide of the post.

Malawi responded quickly, levelling the match when Temwa Chawinga’s effort took a wicked deflection off Grace Asantewaa and wrong-footed the Ghana defence.

Doris Boaduwaa then went close to restoring Ghana’s advantage, but the Malawian goalkeeper saved her shot from just outside the penalty area.

At the other end, Cynthia Konlan produced an important stop to keep out a Malawi header shortly before half-time, ensuring the teams went into the interval level at 1-1.

Ghana thought they had regained the lead after the restart when Boaduwaa found the net, but the goal was ruled out for an offside in the build-up.

Jennifer Cudjoe also threatened from a Ghanaian corner, heading towards goal without producing a serious test for the Malawi goalkeeper.

Malawi gradually gained control through a strong spell of possession and went ahead in the 79th minute. Kadzere’s late strike ultimately proved decisive, despite Ghana’s efforts to respond.

Konlan kept the Black Queens within reach of a comeback with another good save to deny Temwa Chawinga. Ghana continued to press in the closing stages, but could not find an equaliser.

The result means the Black Queens have missed out on both a place in the WAFCON semi-finals and automatic qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

Malawi will play Algeria in the semi-finals on Wednesday, 12 August, at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.

Ghana’s remaining route to the World Cup will be through a playoff against Cote d’Ivoire in Casablanca. That match will give the Black Queens one final opportunity to keep their qualification hopes alive.