Ghana and Cameroon Begin WAFCON 2026 With Winning Starts in Group D

Posted : 30 July 2026

Ghana and Cameroon made impressive starts to their 2026 CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaigns by securing crucial victories in their opening Group D matches. The results put both sides level on three points ahead of a highly anticipated meeting in the next round.

Ghana claimed a 2-0 victory over tournament debutants Cape Verde. The Black Queens took control early when Doris Boaduwaa opened the scoring in the sixth minute after connecting with a well-weighted pass from Portia Boakye.

Cape Verde responded with determination and enjoyed periods of possession, but Ghana's experience and defensive organisation prevented the newcomers from creating clear scoring opportunities. The Black Queens maintained their composure and controlled much of the contest.

The second goal arrived in the 54th minute after sustained Ghanaian pressure forced defender Eleia Vieira to divert the ball into her own net. The own goal effectively ended Cape Verde's hopes of mounting a comeback.

Head coach Kim Lars Björkegren introduced Alice Kusi, Princella Adubea, Abena Opoku and Evelyn Badu during the closing stages to maintain the team's intensity. Ghana comfortably protected their lead and completed the match with a clean sheet.

Cape Verde's difficult evening ended with Klaydiana Borges receiving a red card in stoppage time, reducing the debutants to 10 players. Despite the defeat, Cape Verde showed encouraging signs in their first-ever appearance at the continental finals.

Earlier in the day, Cameroon edged Mali 2-1 in an entertaining Group D encounter in Casablanca. Forward Ngah Manga was the standout performer, scoring both goals to guide the Indomitable Lionesses to an important opening victory.

Cameroon broke the deadlock in the 14th minute when Manga controlled a lofted pass before finishing confidently from close range. Mali responded well and equalised on the half-hour after goalkeeper Michaely Bihina fouled Aïssata Traoré inside the penalty area. Traoré converted the resulting penalty to make it 1-1.

The decisive moment came in the 72nd minute after a VAR review awarded Cameroon a penalty. Manga calmly converted from the spot to complete her brace and restore her side's advantage. Mali pushed for another equaliser in the closing stages, but Cameroon's defence held firm to secure all three points.

The result extended Cameroon's strong record against Mali, with the Indomitable Lionesses now unbeaten in their last five meetings against the West African nation. With Ghana and Cameroon both beginning the tournament with victories, their upcoming Group D showdown is expected to play a major role in deciding the group winners, while Mali and Cape Verde will seek their first points to keep their knockout-stage hopes alive.

Ghana and Cameroon Begin WAFCON 2026 With Winning Starts in Group D

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