Ghana’s Black Queens must win their final group game to stand any chance of progressing at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after being held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Mali on Friday, July 11, 2025, at the Berkane Municipal Stadium.
Having lost their opening match 2-0 to South Africa, the Queens needed all three points to revive their Group C hopes, and they started brightly when Doris Boaduwaa fired home in the 6th minute after a sharp assist from Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah.
The goal was Boaduwaa’s first of the tournament and Ghana’s maiden strike at this year’s WAFCON.
The early lead gave the team confidence, with Jennifer Cudjoe operating just behind the front line, causing Mali problems with her driving runs and clever passes.
Midway through the first half, a pinpoint cross from Cudjoe found Doris again, but her header flew wide.
Ghana went into the break deservedly ahead. However, Mali came out stronger after the restart and found an equaliser in the 52nd minute through Aissata Traoré, who finished off a flowing move to punish Ghana’s defence.
The goal stunned the Queens, who struggled to regain their early momentum.
In the 73rd minute, head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren called on the bench, handing Josephine Bonsu Kyerewaa her tournament debut as Anasthesia Achiaa was withdrawn to inject fresh energy into midfield.
But despite late surges from Chantelle and substitutes pushing forward, Ghana could not find a winner.
With just one point from two matches, Ghana now sit third in Group C and face a must-win final match against Tanzania if they are to keep alive any hopes of qualifying for the knockout rounds.
FKA/MA
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