Ghana‘s 1-1 draw with Mali in Casablanca late Thursday was enough to take the Black Queens through to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal, keeping alive their hopes of reaching the World Cup, while tournament debutants Cape Verde took their first point in WAFCON history with a draw against Cameroon.
Ghana knew that a draw would be enough for them to advance at Mali’s expense, and while Kadidiatou Diabate‘s second-half goal cancelled out Evelyn Badu‘s first-half penalty, they held on to set up a quarterfinal against Malawi.
Cameroon, who had already secured top spot in the group before the final matchday, will face Nigeria despite Va Moreira’s stunning equaliser after Grace Mendoua had put the Lionesses ahead, as already eliminated Cape Verde ended their first major tournament on a high.
At the Moulay Rachid Stadium, Mali’s hopes of securing the early victory they needed suffered an early setback when influential goalkeeper Fatoumata Karentao was injured in the 22nd minute.
Despite being largely outplayed, Mali held on until the 48th minute, when Badu beat replacement goalkeeper Aissatou Liberge with a stooping header after being met by a fine ball from Comfort Yeboah.
Mali made two changes at the break as they looked to force the issue, and only four minutes later, one of the subs — teenage forward Diabate — equalised when her freekick from the edge of the D clipped Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah in the Ghana wall and was diverted beyond Cynthia Konlon.
The 19-year-old burst into tears as she celebrated her goal with her teammates, having broken her duck at the WAFCON.
Despite pushing for a winner, the Eagles weren’t able to find the goal they needed to progress, with Kim Bjorkegren’s Ghana ultimately holding on to book their place in the quarters. Enditem
