Black Queens crash out after Malawi comeback
Ghana surrender an early lead as Malawi strike twice to seal a 2-1 quarter-final victory.
Ghana’s Black Queens have been eliminated from the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after Malawi fought back from an early deficit to secure a 2-1 victory in their quarter-final clash on Sunday August 9. The defeat ends Ghana’s campaign at the knockout stage and also denies the Black Queens a place in the semi-finals, as well as the automatic qualification ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup that came with reaching the last four.
Ghana made a bright start and were rewarded in the seventh minute when Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah put the Black Queens ahead, giving them the early advantage in a contest that carried high stakes for both sides. Malawi, however, responded almost immediately. Temwa Chawinga restored parity in the 12th minute, bringing the Scorchers level and ensuring Ghana’s promising start did not translate into a sustained advantage.
The equaliser changed the complexion of the contest, with both teams battling for control and searching for the decisive opening. Ghana remained in contention deep into the match, but Malawi eventually found the breakthrough that would determine the tie. Rose Kadzere struck in the 79th minute to put Malawi 2-1 ahead, leaving Ghana with little time to force the match back to level terms. Despite Ghana’s late efforts, Malawi held on to complete the comeback and advance to the semi-finals.
The result represents a major moment for Malawi, who entered the tournament as debutants at the knockout stage and had already demonstrated their competitiveness by finishing top of Group C. Their victory over Ghana now takes them into the last four and secures Malawi a historic place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. For Ghana, the loss brings an abrupt end to a campaign that had raised hopes of another deep run in the continental championship. The Black Queens had progressed from Group D as runners-up before being paired with Malawi in the quarter-finals.
The decisive defeat will leave Ghana reflecting on a match in which an early lead ultimately slipped away, while Malawi demonstrated the resilience needed to overturn the deficit and advance. The Black Queens’ 2026 WAFCON journey therefore ends with a 2-1 quarter-final defeat, while Malawi move forward with their historic World Cup qualification secured.
Source: CAF
By: Joyce Owusu
