Ghana’s Black Queens got their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign off to a winning start after defeating tournament debutants Cape Verde 2-0 in their Group D opener at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca.
Kim Lars Björkegren’s side controlled much of the game and produced a solid all-round performance to secure all three points, with goals from Doris Boaduwaa and an own goal from Cape Verde defender Eleia Vieira.
Ghana made a fast start and took the lead as early as the sixth minute. Boaduwaa timed her run perfectly to get behind the Cape Verde defence before calmly lifting the ball over the advancing goalkeeper to give the Black Queens a 1-0 advantage.
The Blue Sharks responded with some promising spells of possession, but Ghana’s high press made it difficult for the tournament newcomers to settle into the game.
The Black Queens came close to extending their lead midway through the first half when Princess Marfo won possession high up the pitch and picked out Boaduwaa, whose effort was saved by Cape Verde goalkeeper Jacinta Rodrigues.
Ghana continued to create chances but could not add to their advantage before the break. Boaduwaa went close on several occasions, while Marfo headed narrowly over the bar. Rodrigues also made two important saves to keep Cape Verde within touching distance.
Cape Verde’s best chance of the first half fell to Leonilde Rodrigues, but her effort was comfortably gathered by Ghana goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan, allowing the Black Queens to take a 1-0 lead into halftime.
Björkegren made an attacking change at the start of the second half, bringing on Sharon Sampson, and Ghana quickly found their second goal.
The Black Queens maintained the pressure, and in the 53rd minute, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah sent a dangerous cross into the Cape Verde box. Under pressure from the Ghana attack, defender Eleia Vieira turned the ball into her own net to double Ghana’s advantage.
The second goal gave Ghana greater confidence as they continued to control possession and create opportunities.
Princella Adubea came close to making it 3-0 after reacting quickest to a rebound following another save by Rodrigues, but she fired over from close range.
Cape Verde struggled to create clear-cut opportunities for much of the second half. Konlan was called into action late in the game and produced an important save after a defensive lapse briefly threatened to give the Blue Sharks a route back into the contest.
Despite some wastefulness in front of goal, the Black Queens remained organised at the back and comfortably saw out the match to claim a deserved 2-0 victory.
The win gives Ghana a strong start in Group D and boosts their hopes of making a deep run at the tournament as they continue their pursuit of a first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title since 2006.
