Black Queens Face Early WAFCON Exit After Draw with Mali
Ghana’s Black Queens are on the verge of elimination from the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) following a 1-1 draw against Mali in their second Group C fixture on Friday at the Stade Municipal de Berkane.
The result leaves Ghana without a win in two matches, following their earlier 2-0 defeat to defending champions South Africa. The Black Queens now face a must-win showdown against Tanzania on Monday, July 15, to keep their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage alive.
Ghana began the match brightly and took an early lead in the 6th minute through forward Doris Boaduwaa, who latched onto a loose ball inside the box and slotted it past the Malian goalkeeper to give the Queens a dream start. The goal sparked confidence in the Ghanaian side, who dominated much of the first half and created additional chances but failed to extend their advantage before the break.
Mali came out rejuvenated in the second half and quickly asserted pressure on the Ghanaian defence. Their efforts paid off in the 52nd minute when Aissat Traore pounced on a defensive mix-up to level the score with a composed finish past goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan Findiib.
Despite both teams pressing for a winner, neither side could find the breakthrough, and the match ended in a 1-1 stalemate.
The result leaves Mali in second place in the group with four points, behind South Africa, who top the table with six. Ghana, with just one point, sit third and must now beat Tanzania—who are bottom with no points—to have any chance of advancing.
The Black Queens will also have to rely on other results in the group to go their way if they are to avoid a group-stage exit from the tournament.
Monday’s encounter will be a do-or-die affair for Coach Kim Björkegren and his team as they seek to revive their campaign and restore national pride.
