Black Queens Suffer WAFCON 2026 Defeat Against Cameroon

Ghana's Black Queens suffered their first defeat of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after falling 1-0 to Cameroon in their second Group D fixture at the Stade Moulay Rachid in Casablanca, Morocco.

A first-half penalty converted by Marie Gisèle Ngah Manga proved decisive after a VAR review ruled that Ghana defender Benedicte Simon had handled the ball inside the box.

The result ended Ghana's winning start to the tournament after their opening victory over tournament debutants Cape Verde.

The defeat leaves the Black Queens with everything to play for in their final group-stage fixture against Mali, with a place in the quarter-finals still within reach.

Head coach Kim Lars Björkegren had spoken before the Cameroon clash about the need for his side to improve against stronger opposition, and despite periods of good possession and attacking intent, Ghana were unable to find an equaliser after conceding from the spot.

The 2026 WAFCON, being hosted by Morocco from July 26 to August 16, features 16 nations competing across four groups, with the top two teams from each group progressing to the quarter-finals.

The tournament also serves as a key step on the road to the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup, with the four semi-finalists securing automatic qualification.

Ghana will now turn its attention to the decisive clash against Mali, knowing that a positive result could keep its hopes of continental glory alive.