Ghana kicked off their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a comfortable 2-0 victory over tournament debutants Cape Verde in their Group D opener on Wednesday at the Moulay Rachid Stadium.
The Black Queens made the perfect start and took the lead after just six minutes. Doris Boaduwaa finished calmly after a well timed through ball from Portia Boakye, giving Ghana an early advantage and putting them firmly in control of the contest.
Cape Verde tried to respond but found it difficult to break down Ghana’s disciplined defence. The Black Queens remained composed throughout the first half and continued to create the better attacking opportunities as they searched for a second goal.
Their pressure paid off nine minutes after the restart when Cape Verde defender Eleia Vieira inadvertently turned the ball into her own net in the 54th minute. The own goal doubled Ghana’s lead and gave the Black Queens breathing space for the remainder of the match.
Cape Verde, making their first appearance at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, battled until the final whistle but could not find a way back into the game. Ghana managed possession well and comfortably saw out the contest to secure all three points.
The victory gives the Black Queens an ideal start to their WAFCON 2026 campaign and temporarily sends them to the top of Group D. Ghana will now look to build on the positive result as they continue their quest for a place in the knockout stage.
