Black Queens Begin WAFCON 2026 Campaign With Convincing 2-0 Victory Over Cape Verde

Ghana’s Black Queens kicked off their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a composed 2-0 victory over tournament debutants Cape Verde at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca, with Doris Boaduwaa scoring the opener inside six minutes

Ghana’s Black Queens kicked off their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign with a convincing 2–0 victory over tournament debutants Cape Verde today, July 29, 2026. The highly controlled Group D opener took place at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco, placing the Black Queens firmly at the top of the group standings.

Striker Doris Boaduwaa put the Black Queens ahead in just the 6th minute, breaking behind the defensive backline to slide home a clinical finish after Portia Boakye found the space to set her up . The early goal allowed Ghana to dictate the tempo and place all the pressure on the debutants .

Ghana doubled their lead in the 54th minute when heavy pressure from Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah forced Cape Verde’s Eleia Vieira to inadvertently push the ball into her own net . The second goal gave the Black Queens the composure they needed to control the closing stages .

Ghana used their heavy tournament experience to dictate the tempo, testing Cape Verde’s defense early and heavily limiting their clean looks on goal. The Black Queens registered 10 shots, five on target, while Cape Verde managed just two shots. Ghana also completed 421 accurate passes to Cape Verde’s 15.

Kim Lars Björkegren’s side controlled much of the contest, creating several chances and maintaining possession as they deservedly took command with goals in each half . The coach refreshed his side by introducing Linda Eshun, Princella Adubea, Nancy Amoh, and Evelyn Badu to maintain intensity and protect the lead .

This defensive clean sheet ensures Ghana keeps its absolute historic record intact—they have never dropped points or conceded a loss to a tournament debutant at the WAFCON finals stage . The victory gives Ghana three valuable points and an ideal start to their group campaign as they look to build momentum in their quest for a deep run at WAFCON 2026 .

Match Statistics

Starting Lineups

Ghana Starting XI (4-3-3):
Cynthia Konlan (GK); Philicity Asantewaa, Comfort Yeboah, Jacqueline Bonsu, Portia Boakye; Grace Asantewaa, Jennifer Cudjoe, Anasthesia Achiaa; Doris Boaduwaa, Alice Kusi, Princess Marfo.

Key Substitutes Used: Princella Adubea, Linda Eshun, Nancy Amoh, Evelyn Badu, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah.

Cape Verde Starting XI (4-4-2):
Jacinta Dias Rodrigues (GK); Kelly, Eleia Pereira Vieira, Silva Melo, Tavares Cardoso; Tavares Moreira, Tavares Spinola Lopes, Tavares Afonso, Da Luz Landim Monteiro Semedo; Silva Wahnon, Moreira Rodrigues.

Key Substitutes Used: Kleydiana Borges.

Post-Match News & Disciplinary Cards

• Boaduwaa Strikes Fast: Doris Boaduwaa put the Black Queens ahead in just the 6th minute of play .

• Own-Goal Cushion: Ghana doubled their lead in the 54th minute when Eleia Vieira inadvertently pushed the ball into her own net .

• Stoppage Time Red Card: Cape Verde’s substitute Kleydiana Borges was shown a straight red card in the 92nd minute for a dangerous tackle .

• Yellow Card: Jennifer Cudjoe received a yellow card in the 20th minute .

The Black Queens will next face Cameroon in their second Group D match on Sunday, August 2, while Cape Verde will look to bounce back when they face Mali on the same day

Source: Accra Street Journal 

Last Updated on July 29, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.

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