- Black Queens Begin WAFCON Campaign in Style with Convincing Victory Over Cape Verde
Ghana’s Black Queens made the perfect start to their 2026 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign after securing a comfortable 2-0 victory over tournament debutants Cape Verde in their Group D opener on Wednesday.
The Black Queens wasted little time in stamping their authority on the contest, with forward Doris Boaduwaa opening the scoring just six minutes into the game. The early breakthrough settled the nerves of Kim Lars Björkegren’s side and set the tone for a dominant performance as Ghana collected all three points in their opening fixture.
Experienced defender Portia Boakye played a key role in the opener, delivering a precise pass that allowed Boaduwaa to finish confidently beyond the Cape Verde goalkeeper.
The goal highlighted Ghana’s intent from the opening whistle, as the four-time WAFCON bronze medallists controlled possession and dictated the tempo against a spirited Cape Verde side making their first appearance at the continental championship.
Cape Verde attempted to respond with determination and energy but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities against Ghana’s organised defence. The Black Queens’ experience at this level proved decisive as they comfortably managed the first half while protecting their slender advantage.
Ghana extended their lead nine minutes after the restart through an unfortunate own goal by Cape Verde defender Eleia Vieira. Under pressure from another dangerous Ghanaian attack, Vieira inadvertently diverted the ball into her own net, giving the Black Queens a deserved two-goal cushion.
The second goal effectively ended any hopes of a Cape Verde comeback, allowing Ghana to play with greater confidence while controlling proceedings for the remainder of the match.
Coach Kim Lars Björkegren freshened up his team in the second half, introducing Alice Kusi, Princella Adubea, Abena Opoku and Evelyn Badu as Ghana comfortably saw out the game while preserving a clean sheet.
Cape Verde’s difficult afternoon worsened in stoppage time when Klaydiana Borges received a red card, forcing the tournament newcomers to finish the match with ten players.
Despite the defeat, Cape Verde’s appearance at the finals remains a historic milestone for the island nation after becoming one of the competition’s debutants.
For Ghana, however, the result represents an ideal beginning to their quest for continental glory. The Black Queens, who claimed the bronze medal at the previous edition of the tournament, will be encouraged by both their attacking display and defensive solidity as they prepare for the remaining Group D fixtures.
