The quarter final fixtures of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON were confirmed on Thursday night with the conclusion of the third round of matches in Group D.
The Blacks Queens of Ghana secured the last quarter final spot after battling to a 1-1 draw with the Lady Eagles of Mali in a tense encounter.
The Ghanaians knew before kick-off that avoiding defeat would be enough to progress to the knockout stages and they did just that despite being forced to withstand a spirited second-half fightback from a determined Mali side at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
Ghana found the breakthrough deep into first-half stoppage time as Comfort Yeboah delivered an inviting pass into the penalty area and Evelyn Badu made no mistake, calmly finishing for a 1-0 lead.
However, just five minutes into the second half, Kadidiatou Diabate found space inside the Ghanaian penalty area and equalised breathing new life into Mali’s qualification hopes.
Both sides had chances to grab the winner but neither did.
As the final whistle sounded, Ghana celebrated passage into the quarter finals while Mali were left disappointed.
In the other group game, the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon also drew 1-1 with Cape Verde in Rabat.
Cameroon scored in the 28th minute through Grace Mendoua while Cape Verde equalised five minutes into the second half courtesy of Ivania Moreira.
Cameroon thought they had restored their advantage soon afterwards when substitute Michaela-Batya Abam swept home after a goalmouth scramble.
However, celebrations were cut short after a VAR review ruled the goal out for a foul in the build-up.
The results ensured that Cameroon who had previously beaten both Ghana and Mali finished top of the group with seven points while Ghana claimed second spot on four points.
Mali exited the tournament on goal difference despite also finishing with four points, while tournament debutants Cape Verde ended their first campaign with one point.
The quarter finals will begin on Saturday in Casablanca with Group B winners Cote D’ivoire taking on Group A runners-up Algeria while hosts, Morocco who won Group A take on Group B runners-up, South Africa in Rabat.
Defending champions, the Super Falcons of Nigeria who finished second in Group C will battle Group D winners, Cameroon in Casablanca on Sunday while Group C winners, Malawi confront Ghana D runners-up, Ghana in Rabat.
The winners of the quarter final matches will qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup