Ghana, Cameroon Open WAFCON 2026 Campaigns With Crucial Group D Victories

Ghana, Cameroon Open WAFCON 2026 Campaigns With Crucial Group D Victories

By BSN Sports 

Ghana and Cameroon began their CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 campaigns with important victories in Group D, setting up a highly anticipated showdown between the two continental heavyweights, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Ghana secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over tournament debutants Cape Verde in their Group D opener, thanks to an early strike from Doris Boaduwaa and an unfortunate own goal from Eleia Vieira.

The Black Queens wasted little time asserting their authority, taking the lead in the sixth minute when Portia Boakye delivered a precise pass for Boaduwaa, who finished confidently to give Ghana the perfect start.

Despite conceding early, Cape Verde displayed determination in their historic first appearance at the continental finals. However, Ghana's experience and disciplined defensive structure ensured they remained in control throughout the contest.

The Black Queens doubled their advantage nine minutes into the second half after sustained pressure forced defender Eleia Vieira to turn the ball into her own net, effectively ending Cape Verde's hopes of a comeback.

Head coach Kim Lars Björkegren introduced fresh legs in the closing stages, with Alice Kusi, Princella Adubea, Abena Opoku and Evelyn Badu helping Ghana preserve both their lead and a clean sheet.

Cape Verde's frustrating evening ended on a sour note when Klaydiana Borges received a red card in stoppage time, reducing the debutants to 10 players.

The victory gives Ghana an ideal start in a competitive Group D as they seek to improve on their bronze-medal finish at the previous edition, while Cape Verde, despite defeat, can take pride in reaching the tournament for the first time in their history.

Earlier, Ngah Manga scored twice as Cameroon defeated Mali 2-1 in an entertaining Group D encounter in Casablanca to maintain their impressive record against the West Africans.

Cameroon took the lead in the 14th minute through the Galatasaray forward, who expertly controlled a lofted pass before calmly finishing at the near post.

Mali responded positively and drew level on the half-hour mark after goalkeeper Michaely Bihina fouled Aïssata Traoré inside the penalty area. Traoré converted confidently from the spot to restore parity.

The second half remained evenly contested until the 72nd minute, when a VAR review awarded Cameroon another penalty. Manga stepped up once again, converting with composure to complete her brace and restore the Indomitable Lionesses' advantage.

Mali pressed for another equaliser in the closing stages, with substitute Fatoumata Diarra coming closest in stoppage time, but her effort was comfortably gathered by Bihina.

The result extends Cameroon's dominance over Mali, having now won four of their last five meetings while drawing the other.

With both Ghana and Cameroon opening their campaigns with victories, Sunday's clash between the two sides promises to be one of the standout fixtures in Group D. Meanwhile, Mali and Cape Verde will battle for their first points as the race for the knockout stages intensifies.