Cameroon moved to the top of Group D at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after edging Ghana 1-0 in a fiercely contested encounter on Sunday at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca.
The Indomitable Lionesses made it two wins from two matches, extending their unbeaten run and taking a significant step toward securing a place in the quarterfinals. The victory lifted Cameroon to six points, putting them firmly in control of their qualification hopes.
Marie Ngah Manga scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot in the 19th minute after Cameroon earned an early opportunity to break the deadlock. Her composed finish ultimately separated the two sides in a match filled with intensity and defensive discipline.
Ghana responded with determination and spent much of the game searching for an equaliser. However, Cameroon’s goalkeeper, Michaely Bihina, produced a string of crucial saves to preserve her team’s lead. The shot-stopper stood firm under pressure and frustrated the Black Queens throughout the contest.
The Black Queens thought they had finally found a way back into the match in the 78th minute when Evelyn Badu put the ball into the net. Their celebrations proved short-lived, though, as the Video Assistant Referee ruled the goal out for offside, leaving Cameroon with their slender advantage intact.
Cameroon managed the closing stages well and defended resolutely to secure another important three points. The result strengthened the Indomitable Lionesses’ grip on first place in Group D and moved them within touching distance of the knockout stage.
Ghana, meanwhile, still have everything to play for in their final group match. The Black Queens must now deliver a positive result against Mali on Thursday, August 6, to keep their hopes of reaching the quarterfinals alive.
On the same day, Cameroon will face Cape Verde as they look to maintain their perfect start to the tournament and seal top spot in the group.
