BY Nadia Ntiamoah
The Ghanaian women’s national team, Black Queens, was held to a 1-1 draw by Mali in a Group C thriller at the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The match was played at Stade Municipal de Berkane on Friday, with both teams creating scoring opportunities but ultimately settling for a point each.
Early Dominance
The Black Queens dominated the early stages of the match, with Alice Kusi scoring the opening goal in the 6th minute.
Doris Boaduwaa had a chance to double the lead seconds earlier but narrowly missed.
Despite controlling the first half, Ghana failed to capitalize on several chances to extend their lead, with Boaduwaa, Kusi, and Evelyn Badu all denied by a combination of wasteful finishing and superb saves from Mali goalkeeper Fatoumata Karentao.
Mali’s Equalizer
Mali came out stronger in the second half and equalized in the 52nd minute.
A sharp through ball from Saratou Traoré split the Ghanaian defense, and Aïssata Traoré calmly slotted home.
The game opened up as both teams searched for a winner, with Ghana applying sustained pressure late on.
However, Karentao remained resolute, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Quarterfinal Hopes
The draw leaves Ghana’s hopes of reaching the quarterfinals uncertain, with the team sitting on just one point heading into their final group match against Tanzania.
Mali, meanwhile, move to four points and remain in control of their quarterfinal fate.
The match highlighted the intensity and competitiveness of WAFCON’s Group C, often referred to as the “Group of Death.”
