Ghana’s Black Queens suffered their first defeat at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a controversial 1-0 loss to Cameroon, with a second-half equaliser ruled out by VAR in a fiercely contested Group D encounter in Casablanca.
The Black Queens started brightly at the Moulay Rachid Stadium, dominating possession in the opening exchanges as they looked to stamp their authority on the contest. However, despite controlling much of the early play, Ghana struggled to create clear-cut opportunities against a disciplined Cameroonian defence.
Cameroon gradually grew into the game and were rewarded after a lengthy VAR review. The referee pointed to the penalty spot after adjudging a handball inside the Ghana penalty area, before Marie Ngah Manga calmly converted from 12 yards in the 18th minute to give the Indomitable Lionesses the lead.
The Black Queens found it difficult to respond before the break as Cameroon disrupted Ghana’s rhythm with an aggressive pressing game. Coach Kim Lars Björkegren’s side struggled to impose themselves in midfield, while Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah and Doris Boaduwaa received limited service in attack as Cameroon deservedly carried their slender advantage into half-time.
Ghana returned for the second half with renewed intensity after Evelyn Badu replaced Ajegipina Zakaria at the interval. The Black Queens immediately pinned Cameroon back, with Portia Boakye forcing an excellent save from a powerful free-kick as the pressure mounted.
Despite dominating possession for long spells, Ghana were repeatedly frustrated by Cameroon’s organised defence and their own wastefulness in front of goal. Björkegren introduced Princess Marfo in search of greater attacking impetus as the Black Queens continued to push for an equaliser.
The decisive moment arrived in the 77th minute when Evelyn Badu thought she had rescued Ghana. After a long ball from Benedicte Simon caused confusion in the Cameroon defence, Doris Boaduwaa capitalised on a goalkeeping error before the loose ball fell kindly to Badu, who slotted into the net. However, following a VAR review, the goal was ruled out for offside against Boaduwaa in the build-up, leaving the Black Queens heartbroken.
The disallowed goal proved to be Ghana’s final opportunity as Cameroon held on to secure all three points, pushing them to the Quater Finals which also hands the Black Queens a frustrating defeat despite a much-improved second-half performance. T
he result leaves Ghana with work to do in their remaining Group D fixtures against Mali as they chase qualification for the knockout stage.
