The Black Queens kept their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations dream alive with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Mali, securing a place in the quarter-finals after a disciplined display. Ghana needed only a point to progress from Group C, and despite late pressure from Mali, they showed resilience and composure to book a last-eight clash with Malawi.
The result marks another important step in Ghana’s journey back to the top of African women’s football. More importantly, it leaves the Black Queens just one victory away from sealing qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, adding even greater significance to their next outing.
Evelyn Badu once again proved her value when it mattered most. The midfielder scored Ghana’s goal and celebrated not only the result but the collective effort that carried the team into the knockout stage.
“We’re really happy. Although we wanted to win so badly, but at least we got a point and it’s gotten us through to the quarter-finals, which is really important for us,” Badu said. She also urged Ghanaians to continue supporting the team, adding, “Keep on supporting us and keep on your prayers and we’re going to deliver.”
Badu is refusing to underestimate Malawi despite previous meetings between the two nations. “Football has different ways. We’re not going to look at the fact that we scored them. Now it’s something different and we’re going in with a different approach and winning is just what we’re looking forward to,” she explained.
Head coach Kim Lars Björkegren left the pitch with mixed emotions. He praised what he described as Ghana’s best performance of the tournament, but admitted his side should have settled the contest much earlier.
“The game is the best that we have played. The only thing I can be disappointed over is the fact that we were nervous in the end. We should close this game way earlier,” the Swedish coach said. He revealed Ghana finished with an expected goals figure of almost 3.3 compared to Mali’s 0.6, evidence of the Black Queens’ control despite the close scoreline.
Björkegren also highlighted the importance of his captain, describing her as “the extra arm” who leads through communication and determination. “She’s a real fighter,” he said, praising her influence both on and off the pitch.
With confidence growing inside the camp and the belief of a nation behind them, the Black Queens now turn their attention to Malawi. The challenge will be tougher, but Ghana know that another inspired performance could bring them within touching distance of a long-awaited return to the world’s biggest stage.
