Ghana’s Black Queens Miss Automatic World Cup Spot After Malawi Defeat

Ghana’s Black Queens suffered a 2-1 quarter-final defeat to Malawi at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, ending their hopes of automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah gave the Black Queens an early lead in the seventh minute with a composed finish at the Al Madina Stadium.

Malawi responded quickly through Temwa Chawinga before Rose Kadzere scored a late winner in the 79th minute to seal a dramatic comeback victory.

The result eliminated Ghana from the semi-finals and denied them one of Africa’s four automatic places at next year’s World Cup in Brazil.

Only the four teams that reach the last four of WAFCON secure direct qualification.

The Black Queens’ World Cup ambitions remain alive, however. They will face Côte d’Ivoire in a crucial playoff match on Thursday, August 13, in Casablanca.

The winners of the two playoff ties involving the defeated quarter-finalists will advance to the intercontinental play-offs for the remaining World Cup spots.

Ghana, who finished second in their group behind Cameroon, are seeking a return to the global stage for the first time since 2007.

Head coach Kim Lars Björkegren’s side now faces a must-win encounter to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Malawi, ranked 153rd in the world before the tournament and making their first appearance at a major finals, advance to face Algeria in the semi-finals on Wednesday.