Ghana Qualifies for WAFCON Quarter-Finals Despite Draw with Mali

• Ghana qualified for the WAFCON quarter-finals with a 1-1 draw against Mali.
• The quarter-final matches will determine qualification for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil.
• Ghana will face Malawi, which topped a pool including defending champions Nigeria and Zambia, in the quarter-finals.

Going through to the last eight was one of our targets,

Ghana has qualified for the quarter-finals of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a 1-1 draw with Mali. The match, played on Thursday night at the Stade Moulay Rachid in Casablanca, saw Evelyn Badu score the opener just before half-time. However, Kadidiatou Diabaté levelled for Mali shortly after the restart, but Ghana's defense held strong to secure a crucial point and a spot in the quarter-finals.

The quarter-final matches will not only determine which teams advance to the semi-finals but also decide qualification for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil. The four sides that reach the semi-finals will automatically claim a berth at the tournament, while the losing teams will have to compete in a play-off for two spots at an inter-confederation qualifier.

Ghana's coach, Kim Bjørkegren, expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, stating that it was one of their best games at the tournament. He noted that the team played good football and was ready from the start, but was nervous towards the end and should have closed the game earlier. The quarter-finals will see Ghana face Malawi, a team that topped a pool including defending champions Nigeria and Zambia.

Lawyers advising clients on women's football teams participating in WAFCON should note that the quarter-final and semi-final matches will also determine qualification for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil.

Source: Original reporting via AllAfrica Ghana