Ghana began their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign on a winning note with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Cape Verde in their Group D opener on Wednesday.
A first-half strike from Doris Boaduwaa and an own goal by Eleia Vieira after the break secured all three points for the Black Queens, who moved to the top of the group with an assured display.
Kim Björkegren’s side made an impressive start and were rewarded inside six minutes. Portia Boakye picked out Boaduwaa with a superb long pass, and the forward showed excellent composure to lift the ball over the advancing goalkeeper and into the net for the opening goal.
Ghana continued to dominate possession and dictate the tempo, limiting Cape Verde to few clear-cut opportunities while searching for a second goal before the interval.
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The Black Queens eventually doubled their advantage in the 54th minute when Vieira inadvertently turned the ball into her own net, giving Ghana firm control of the contest.
Despite creating further openings, Ghana were unable to add a third goal, with Cape Verde’s defence managing to prevent any further damage.
Cape Verde’s difficult evening was compounded in stoppage time when substitute Diana Borges, introduced in the 59th minute, was shown a straight red card in the 92nd minute, reducing her side to 10 players for the closing moments.
With the numerical advantage and a two-goal cushion, Ghana comfortably saw out the remainder of the match to secure an important opening-day victory and strengthen their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
The Black Queens will return to action against Cameroon on Sunday, August 2, while Cape Verde will look to bounce back when they face Mali on the same day.
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