WAFCON
Ghana’s hopes hang in the Balance after a 1-1 draw with Mali
Ghana’s Black Queens face a tense final group match after being held to a 1-1 draw by Mali in a fiercely contested Group C clash at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Friday evening in Berkane.
The result leaves Ghana with just one point from two matches and needing a win in their final fixture against Tanzania to stand any chance of reaching the quarter-finals. Mali, on the other hand, moved to four points and remains well-placed to advance.
The encounter at Stade Municipal de Berkane lived up to its billing as a West African derby, with both teams knowing that anything less than victory would complicate their path to the knockout stage.
Ghana, still reeling from a 2-0 opening defeat to defending champions South Africa, made a lightning start and struck as early as the sixth minute. Alice Kusi found the breakthrough after Doris Boaduwaa’s header rattled the Mali defence, pouncing on the rebound to slot home from close range.
The early goal lifted Ghana’s tempo and confidence, and they dominated the first half, creating a series of chances. However, they were left to rue their profligacy as Boaduwaa, Kusi and Evelyn Badu all missed opportunities to double the lead—thanks in large part to a solid performance from Mali goalkeeper Fatoumata Karentao.
Mali gradually grew into the game and levelled shortly after the break. A sharp through ball from Saratou Traoré split the Ghanaian backline, allowing Aïssata Traoré to finish calmly in the 52nd minute.
The equaliser opened the game up, with Ghana pouring forward in search of a winner. Princella Adubea, Grace Asantewaa and Jennifer Cudjoe all tested Karentao, but the Mali shot-stopper remained resolute.
Despite a late onslaught from Kim Björkegren’s side, the Black Queens could not find a second goal and now head into a must-win clash against Tanzania under pressure.
For Mali, the draw keeps them firmly in the race for a place in the last eight, with their final group match to determine their fate.
In a match that highlighted the intensity and unpredictability of WAFCON’s so-called “Group of Death,” both sides were left with mixed emotions—relieved not to have lost, but aware of what’s still at stake.
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By Kunle Solaja.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has been postponed, with Africa’s football governing body announcing new dates for the tournament in Morocco.
The Confederation of African Football confirmed that the 2026 edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will now take place from 25 July to 16 August 2026, instead of the earlier scheduled dates of 17 March to 3 April 2026.
Morocco was awarded the hosting rights for the continental showpiece in October 2024, with preparations already underway for what is expected to be one of the biggest editions of the competition. It doubles as the qualification tournament for the Women’s World Cup, as the top four finishers will feature in the global event.
CAF said the decision to move the tournament followed consultations with FIFA and other key stakeholders.
In a statement, CAF explained that the adjustment was made “to ensure the success of this important women’s competition, in the light of certain unforeseen circumstances.”
Although the organisation did not elaborate on the nature of those circumstances, the rescheduling shifts the tournament to the traditional mid-year international football window, which is often more favourable for player availability and logistics.
The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is the continent’s flagship women’s football competition and serves as a crucial platform for the development and visibility of the women’s game in Africa.
Morocco, which successfully hosted the 2022 edition of the tournament, is expected to leverage its modern stadium infrastructure and growing reputation as a major football events destination to deliver another high-profile competition.
CAF expressed confidence that the revised schedule will allow all stakeholders to adequately prepare for the tournament.
“Preparations for the WAFCON 2026 are underway, and all the parties are confident that it will be very successful,” the governing body stated.
The tournament will bring together Africa’s top women’s national teams competing for continental supremacy, with the rescheduling expected to give organisers additional time to ensure optimal preparations for the event.
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The Confederation of African Football has announced that it will issue an official communication within the next 48 hours regarding the situation surrounding the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026.
In a brief message posted on social media, CAF indicated that the matter has been under extensive discussion in recent weeks and is currently receiving urgent attention at the highest levels of the organisation.
“CAF will communicate within the next 48 hours on the situation regarding the #TotalEnergiesWAFCON26. There have been several discussions over the past weeks. The matter is receiving urgent and high-level attention,” the confederation stated.
Although CAF did not provide specific details about the issue under review, the statement suggests that senior officials within the continental governing body are working toward a resolution.
The development has sparked anticipation across the African football community, particularly among national teams preparing for the women’s continental championship.
The Confederation of African Football is expected to clarify the circumstances and outline the next steps for the tournament when it releases its official update within the stipulated timeframe.
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Reigning African champions Nigeria produced a commanding response, defeating Cameroon 3–1 on Tuesday in the second of their pre-WAFCON international friendlies in Yaounde.
Three days after suffering a narrow 1–0 loss at the Military Stadium, the Super Falcons returned to the same venue. They delivered a far more assured performance, underlining their pedigree as perennial continental powerhouses.
Head Coach Justin Madugu rang the changes, making seven alterations to the starting line-up that featured in Saturday’s defeat. However, it was Cameroon who struck first again, netting in the seventh minute to momentarily raise concerns of a repeat setback.
Nigeria responded with composure and growing authority.
Forward Chinwendu Ihezuo restored parity in the 32nd minute, rising above her marker to power home a header from a well-delivered cross by Rinsola Babajide. The equaliser settled the Falcons, who began to dictate tempo and press with greater coordination.
Just before the break, the comeback was completed. After a scramble inside the Cameroonian box, Babajide reacted quickest to fire home in the 43rd minute, turning provider into scorer to give Nigeria a 2–1 lead at halftime.
Madugu’s reshaped midfield proved decisive, pressing higher up the pitch, shutting down central channels and forcing the Lionesses into speculative long balls.
The Falcons extended their advantage in the 64th minute. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, influential down the right flank, delivered a teasing cross into the penalty area. Michelle Alozie attacked the ball with conviction, launching into a flying header that made it 3–1 and effectively sealed the contest.
Both sides treated the two-match series as crucial preparation for the 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to take place in Morocco from March 17 to April 3.
For Nigeria, the emphatic victory not only avenged Saturday’s defeat but also reaffirmed their status as Africa’s benchmark in women’s football heading into the continental showpiece.
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