WAFCON 2026: Black Queens beat Cape Verde to make winning start in Morocco

The Black Queens of Ghana opened their 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign in style with a convincing 2-0 victory over tournament debutants Cape Verde in their Group C opener on Wednesday in Morocco.

An early strike from Doris Boaduwaa and a second-half own goal by Viera Eleia sealed all three points for Ghana, who produced a dominant display to begin their quest for a first continental title on a positive note.

Doris Boaduwaa gives Ghana's dream a start.

The Black Queens wasted little time asserting their dominance, breaking the deadlock just five minutes into the contest.

A well-delivered cross into the penalty area found Doris Boaduwaa, who rose above the Cape Verde defence to power a brilliant header beyond the goalkeeper, handing Ghana an early advantage.

The goal set the tone for the remainder of the first half, with Ghana controlling possession and dictating the pace of the game.

Ghana dominate the first half despite missed chances.

Buoyed by the early breakthrough, the Black Queens continued to pile pressure on the WAFCON debutants, forcing Cape Verde to defend deep inside their own half.

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Although Cape Verde gradually settled into the game and looked dangerous on a few counter-attacks, Ghana's disciplined defence prevented them from creating any clear-cut scoring opportunities.

Boaduwaa almost grabbed her second goal in the 15th minute, but her effort was comfortably saved by the Cape Verde goalkeeper after she was played through on goal.

The Ghanaian forward remained the biggest attacking threat throughout the first half, coming close again with a towering header that sailed narrowly over the crossbar before heading another effort inches wide just before halftime.

Own goal doubles Black Queens' advantage

The Black Queens resumed the second half with renewed intensity and were rewarded in the 54th minute.

Persistent pressure inside the Cape Verde penalty area forced defender Viera Eleia into turning the ball into her own net while attempting to clear the danger, giving Ghana a deserved 2-0 lead.

The own goal effectively put the game beyond the reach of the tournament newcomers.

Boaduwaa shines as Ghana pushes for a third

With a comfortable cushion, Ghana continued to dominate proceedings and nearly added a third goal midway through the second half.

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A superb pass from Chantelle released Boaduwaa behind the defence, but the Cape Verde goalkeeper produced an excellent save to deny the forward her second goal of the evening.

The rebound fell kindly to Priscilla Adubea, who was unable to keep her effort on target from close range.

Cynthia Konlan preserves a clean sheet.

Cape Verde nearly found a lifeline in the 73rd minute after creating their best opportunity of the match.

However, Ghana goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan came to the rescue with a magnificent save, preserving her clean sheet and ensuring the Black Queens maintained their two-goal advantage.

The Black Queens professionally managed the closing stages, controlling possession and frustrating Cape Verde's attacking efforts before the final whistle confirmed a deserved victory.

Perfect start for the Black Queens

The result gives Ghana an ideal start to their WAFCON 2026 campaign and strengthens their hopes of progressing from Group C.

With an assured defensive performance, dominance in midfield and a clinical attacking display led by Doris Boaduwaa, the Black Queens will take plenty of confidence into their remaining group matches as they continue their pursuit of continental glory.