After losing 2-1 to Malawi debutants in their quarterfinal match in Rabat, Ghana’s Black Queens were eliminated from the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Ghana got off to a great start when Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah gave the Black Queens the lead in the 7th minute.
However, Malawi’s Temwa Chawinga swiftly restored parity, giving the two teams an even half-time score, and their lead only lasted for five minutes.
Malawi gained confidence and began to pose a greater threat after the interval, making it difficult for Ghana to reclaim control.
Rose Kadzere scored the game-winning goal in the 79th minute, completing the debutants’ comeback.
The Black Queens pushed for an equalizer in the last minutes, but they were unable to overcome a resolute Malawi defense.
Ghana’s hopes of winning the competition are dashed in the quarter-final stage, while Malawi advances to the 2026 WAFCON semi-finals for the first time as a result of the outcome.
Ghana will also miss out on automatically qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil as a result of the defeat.
However, the Black Queens can still reach the World Cup through the intercontinental play-offs. For a spot in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Queens will play Côte d’Ivoire in the playoff round.
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