Ghana’s Black Queens have been eliminated from the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco after suffering a 2-1 quarterfinal defeat to Malawi on Sunday, August 9, ending their hopes of securing an automatic ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The Black Queens made a bright start and took the lead as early as the 7th minute, with Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah finding the back of the net to put Ghana ahead.
Malawi responded quickly, however, with Temwa restoring parity in the 12th minute.
Neither side could find another breakthrough before the interval, sending the teams into halftime level at 1-1.
Ghana thought they had regained the lead early in the second half when Doris Boaduwaa scored in the 54th minute, but the effort was ruled out.
The Black Queens continued to push for a second goal, but Malawi eventually completed the comeback in the 79th minute, scoring to take a 2-1 lead.
Ghana were unable to find an equaliser in the closing stages as Malawi held on to secure a place in the semifinals and send the Black Queens out of the competition.
The defeat is a major setback for Ghana, who had entered the quarterfinal knowing that victory would guarantee an automatic qualification spot for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The Black Queens had reached the knockout stage after finishing second in Group D with four points, behind group winners Cameroon, but their campaign has now come to an end at the quarterfinal stage.
Ghana will therefore have to pursue other qualification possibilities for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup after missing the automatic qualification opportunity that came with reaching the latter stages of WAFCON 2026.
