WAFCON 2026: Ghana advance to quarter-finals despite frustrating draw against Mali

Ghana secured their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Mali in their final Group D match on Thursday night.

Both sides entered the contest level on three points and knowing that victory would guarantee a place in the knockout stages, but it was the Black Queens who progressed thanks to a superior goal difference after an evenly contested encounter.

With both teams struggling to create clear-cut opportunities in the opening stages, the breakthrough arrived deep into first-half stoppage time.

Defender Comfort Yeboah delivered an inviting cross into the penalty area, and Evelyn Badu rose highest to send a superb header into the net in the third minute of added time.

The goal handed Ghana a vital lead going into the interval and appeared to put them in control of their quarter-final destiny.

Mali came out with renewed energy after half-time and restored parity just five minutes into the second period.

Kadidiatou Diabate's direct free-kick took a significant deflection off the Ghanaian wall, wrong-footing the goalkeeper and finding its way into the back of the net.

The equaliser gave Mali renewed hope and set up a tense finale as both teams searched for the goal that would secure qualification.

Ghana believed they had reclaimed the lead in the 70th minute when Badu converted from close range after a dangerous attacking move.

However, celebrations were cut short after a VAR review ruled the goal out for offside in the build-up.

Both sides pushed forward in the closing stages, but neither could find a decisive goal as the match ended level.

FULL-TIME! ????????????????

Mali and Ghana battle out a 1-1 draw. #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2026 pic.twitter.com/YSSD8ivQBx

— CAF Women Football (@CAFwomen) August 6, 2026

The draw leaves Ghana and Mali on four points, with the Black Queens progressing to the quarter-finals on goal difference after finishing second in Group D behind Cameroon.

 

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