The Black Queens made a brilliant start to their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign with a convincing 2-0 victory over Cape Verde on Wednesday, taking an important step towards their ambition of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Ghana secured all three points in their WAFCON 2026 Group D opener thanks to an early strike from Doris Boaduwaa and a second-half own goal from Cape Verde defender Eleia Vieira.
The impressive victory gives the Black Queens the perfect platform to build on as they chase a place in the semi-finals and automatic qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
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Ghana started the match brightly and needed just six minutes to break the deadlock.
A superb pass from Portia Boakye released Boaduwaa, who timed her run perfectly before keeping her composure to calmly finish and give the Black Queens a dream start.
The early goal helped settle Ghana after a nervous opening, with both teams initially struggling to find their rhythm.
The Black Queens gradually took control of possession and looked the more dangerous side, although they were occasionally let down by misplaced passes and a lack of precision in the final third.
Cape Verde, competing at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the first time, also struggled to make the most of their opportunities in attack.
Ghana continued to threaten as the first half progressed, with Boaduwaa coming close to adding a second goal midway through the opening period.
The Black Queens also went close on two occasions from corner kicks, but narrowly missed the opportunity to extend their lead.
At the other end, Cape Verde created a few dangerous moments but were unable to seriously trouble Ghana’s defence.
Goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan remained composed whenever called upon, helping Ghana preserve their advantage.
Boaduwaa remained a constant threat and came close to scoring again after an excellent work from Alice Kusi created another promising opportunity.
Despite Ghana’s dominance and superior chances, the Black Queens went into the break with a narrow 1-0 lead.
The second half continued in much the same fashion, with Ghana pushing forward in search of the goal that would put the result beyond doubt.
The decisive moment arrived when Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah delivered an inviting cross towards Boaduwaa.
Before the Ghanaian forward could apply the finishing touch, Cape Verde defender Eleia Vieira inadvertently diverted the ball into her own net.
The own goal gave the Black Queens a valuable 2-0 cushion and effectively sealed a winning start to their WAFCON 2026 campaign.
The victory temporarily sends Ghana to the top of WAFCON 2026 Group D, pending the outcome of the later meeting between Mali and Cameroon.
The result is particularly significant because the Black Queens are targeting a place in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Ghana’s route to the global tournament is clear: reaching the WAFCON semi-finals will secure automatic qualification for the World Cup in Brazil.
The Black Queens will now turn their attention to their next Group D fixture against Cameroon on August 2, with another positive result potentially strengthening their position in the race for the knockout stages.