Ghana’s Black Queens made the perfect start to their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a deserved 2-0 victory over tournament debutants Cape Verde in their Group D opener at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca.
Kim Lars Björkegren’s side dominated large spells of the contest and were rewarded with first-half and second-half goals to secure all three points.
The Black Queens wasted little time asserting themselves, taking the lead in the sixth minute through Doris Boaduwaa. The forward timed her run perfectly before delicately lobbing the advancing Cape Verde goalkeeper to hand Ghana an early advantage.
Cape Verde responded positively after conceding and enjoyed brief spells of possession, but Ghana’s high press continued to unsettle the debutants.
The Black Queens almost doubled their advantage midway through the first half when Princess Marfo won possession high up the pitch before finding Boaduwaa, whose effort was comfortably saved.
Despite controlling possession, Ghana struggled to convert their dominance into more goals before the break. Boaduwaa came close on several occasions, while Princess Marfo headed narrowly over and goalkeeper Jacinta Rodrigues produced two excellent saves to deny the Black Queens.
Cape Verde’s best opportunity of the opening half came through Leonilde Rodrigues, but Cynthia Konlan gathered comfortably as Ghana went into halftime with a slender 1-0 lead.
Björkegren introduced Sharon Sampson at the start of the second half in a bid to inject more attacking threat, and the change quickly paid dividends.
After sustained pressure, Ghana doubled their lead in the 53rd minute when Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah’s dangerous cross forced defender Eleia Vieira into turning the ball into her own net under pressure.
The second goal settled the Black Queens, who continued to dominate possession while creating several opportunities to extend their advantage.
Princella Adubea came closest to making it three after pouncing on a rebound following another save from Rodrigues, but blasted over from close range.
Cape Verde rarely threatened, with Konlan producing one fine save in the closing stages to preserve Ghana’s clean sheet after a defensive lapse almost gifted the Blue Sharks a way back into the contest.
Although Ghana were guilty of wasteful finishing throughout the encounter, their overall control and defensive organisation ensured a comfortable victory against the tournament newcomers.
The result gives the Black Queens an ideal start to Group D as they continue their quest for a first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title since 2006 close call
