Black Queens Launch WAFCON Campaign with Convincing Win Over Cape Verde

Ghana’s Black Queens made an emphatic start to their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign, defeating tournament debutants Cape Verde 2-0 to take early control of Group D and strengthen their bid for a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The victory marked a significant response after Ghana’s disappointing opening defeat at the previous edition of the continental tournament, with the Black Queens producing a disciplined display built on early attacking intent and defensive composure.

Doris Boaduwaa set the tone just six minutes into the contest, latching onto a perfectly weighted through ball from Portia Boakye before calmly slotting past the Cape Verde goalkeeper. The early breakthrough allowed Ghana to dictate much of the encounter, although the team occasionally struggled to convert sustained possession into clear-cut opportunities.

Cape Verde, making their first-ever appearance at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, showed determination but found it difficult to penetrate Ghana’s organised defence. Whenever called upon, goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan remained assured, preserving the Black Queens’ slender first-half advantage.

Ghana continued to press after the restart, and their persistence was rewarded when Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah delivered a dangerous cross that forced Cape Verde defender Eleia Vieira into turning the ball into her own net, effectively putting the result beyond doubt.

While the scoreline reflected Ghana’s superiority, the performance also highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in the final third, where several promising opportunities went unfinished despite sustained pressure.

The three points temporarily lift Ghana to the summit of Group D ahead of the outcome of the group’s other fixture between Cameroon and Mali.

Beyond the immediate result, the victory carries greater significance. The Black Queens entered the tournament knowing that reaching the semi-finals would secure automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, making every group-stage point critical to their ambitions.

Ghana will now shift attention to what promises to be a far sterner examination against Cameroon on 2 August, a fixture that could play a decisive role in determining the group’s eventual standings and the Black Queens’ path toward both continental success and World Cup qualification.