WAFCON 2026: Black Queens begin campaign with convincing win over Cape Verde

Ghana's Black Queens made the perfect start to their 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Cape Verde on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.

The Queens wasted little time asserting themselves, taking the lead inside six minutes through striker Doris Boaduwaa.

After surviving an early scare that required goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan to make a save in the fifth minute, Ghana responded immediately as Boaduwaa found the net, settling the team and igniting the contest.

Kim Lars Bjorkegren's side controlled possession for much of the first half, dictating the tempo with neat passing across midfield and pinning Cape Verde deep inside their own half. Although Princess Marfo came close to doubling the advantage before the break, Ghana had to settle for a slender 1-0 lead at half-time.

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The Black Queens continued to dominate after the restart, with Sharon Sampson introduced at the beginning of the second half to add fresh energy to the attack.

Their persistence paid off in the 53rd minute when a dangerous delivery from Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah forced a Cape Verde defender to turn the ball into her own net, giving Ghana a deserved 2-0 cushion.

Further substitutions saw Linda Eshun, Princella Adubea and Anoma Yeboah introduced as Ghana comfortably managed the remainder of the match.

Cape Verde threatened sporadically, but Konlan remained assured whenever called upon, while Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah came close to adding a third goal with a curling effort that narrowly missed the target late in the game.

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.

FKA/BAI

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