WAFCON 2024: Ghana, Mali Play Out 1–1 Draw In Fierce Group C Battle

WAFCON 2024: Ghana, Mali Play Out 1–1 Draw In Fierce Group C Battle

Sampson Adedeji

Ghana’s bid for a quarter-final spot at the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations remains uncertain following a tense 1-1 draw against West African rivals Mali on Friday at the Stade Municipal de Berkane, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Goals from Alice Kusi and Aïssata Traoré ensured both teams shared the spoils in a match where neither side could afford to drop points but both had opportunities to secure victory.

The Black Queens, under pressure after a 2-0 defeat to South Africa in their opening match, started brightly and grabbed an early lead. In the sixth minute, Kusi pounced on a rebound to score from close range after Doris Boaduwaa's header had flashed just wide moments earlier.

Mali, who had defeated Tanzania in their first group game, struggled to settle initially but slowly found their rhythm. Their attacking trio of Saratou Traoré, Aïssata Traoré, and Agueissa Diarra began to trouble the Ghanaian defence with their pace and movement.

Despite creating several chances, Ghana couldn’t double their lead before the break. Boaduwaa, Kusi, and Evelyn Badu were all denied—either by wasteful finishing or the outstanding efforts of Mali goalkeeper Fatoumata Karentao.

Mali came out strongly in the second half and drew level in the 52nd minute. A perfectly weighted through ball from Saratou Traoré split Ghana’s defence, allowing Aïssata Traoré to calmly slot past the onrushing goalkeeper.

Ghana dominated the latter stages of the game and pressed hard for a winner, but Kim Björkegren’s side failed to convert their chances and now sit on just one point with a must-win game against Tanzania ahead.

Mali, meanwhile, move to four points and remain well-placed to qualify for the knockout rounds, with their fate firmly in their own hands.