Ghana’s Black Queens let an early lead slip as they drew 1-1 with Mali, leaving their delayed WAFCON 2024 hopes hanging by a thread with one group match to go.
The Queens needed a strong response after their opening defeat to South Africa, and they started brightly in Casablanca. Doris Boaduwaa gave Ghana the perfect start, poking home in the sixth minute after Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah’s cross created chaos in the Malian box.
Ghana controlled the early tempo and created chances. But as the game wore on, Mali settled and began to stretch the Ghanaian defence. Aissata Traoré punished Ghana in the 52nd minute, bursting through to slot past Cynthia Konlan and level the game.
That goal shifted momentum. Ghana made changes, with Princella Adubea and Princess Marfo introduced to chase a winner. Adubea had two golden chances to restore the lead but failed to convert.
In one moment, she chose to shoot instead of feeding the unmarked Boye-Hlorkah. Minutes later, a poor first touch ruined what looked like a clear assist to Boaduwaa.
The draw means Ghana sit third in Group C with just one point from two games. Only a win against Tanzania in their final match will give them a shot at progressing.
This result piles pressure on a side still finding rhythm in the tournament. Mali, meanwhile, will feel encouraged by their second-half display, which showed discipline and fight.
The atmosphere was tense throughout, with both benches animated and fans willing their sides on. But in the end, Ghana were left to rue missed chances in a match they should have won.
Now, everything rides on Tanzania. The Black Queens must find their finishing touch or risk another early exit.
