Black Queens held by Mali in Group C thriller as quarter-final hopes hang in the balance

Ghana’s hopes of reaching the quarter-finals of the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations remain uncertain after a hard-fought 1-1 draw with West African rivals Mali in a fiercely contested Group C clash at Stade Municipal de Berkane on Friday.

A goal in each half from Alice Kusi and Aïssata Traoré ensured both sides walked away with a point from a match neither could afford to lose—but both might feel they could have won.

Under pressure following a 2-0 defeat to South Africa in their opener, the Black Queens made a blistering start. Their dominance was rewarded in the 6th minute when Kusi finished from close range after Doris Boaduwaa had narrowly missed seconds earlier.

Mali, who edged Tanzania in their opening match, looked unsettled early but gradually found their rhythm. Their attacking trio of Saratou Traoré, Aïssata Traoré, and Agueissa Diarra posed a growing threat on the break.

Despite controlling the first half, Ghana failed to capitalize on several chances to extend their lead, with Boaduwaa, Kusi, and Evelyn Badu all denied by a combination of wasteful finishing and superb saves from Mali goalkeeper Fatoumata Karentao.

Mali came out stronger in the second half and equalized in the 52nd minute. A sharp through ball from Saratou Traoré split the Ghanaian defense, and Aïssata Traoré calmly slotted home.

The game opened up as both teams searched for a winner. Ghana applied sustained pressure late on, with Princella Adubea, Grace Asantewaa, and Jennifer Cudjoe going close—but Karentao remained resolute.

Despite dominating possession and chances, Kim Björkegren’s side couldn’t find a breakthrough and now sit on just one point heading into a must-win final group match against Tanzania. Mali, meanwhile, move to four points and remain in control of their quarter-final fate.

In a match billed as do-or-die, it ended in frustration and uncertainty—yet highlighted the intensity and competitiveness of WAFCON’s so-called “Group of Death.”