Ghana and Mali battle for place in last eight at Women's Africa Cup of Nations

In 2024, Mali lost to hosts Morocco while Ghana overcame Algeria on penalties before going down to Morocco in the semi-finals.

"I think it's more for us to be relaxed and enjoy the situation," said Ghana coach Kim Björkegren on the eve of the match.

"We are in a good position in that we know that one point takes us to the quarter-final and that's what it's all about. We need to make the next step."

Mali, who are ranked 84th in the Fifa lists, qualified for the 2026 WAFCON when organisers the Confederation of African Football expanded the competition from 12 to 16 teams.

They lost their opening game to Cameroon 2-1 on 29 July, but bounced back to beat Cape Verde 3-2 on 2 August.

"We're going into the match with the mentality of warriors," said Mali head coach Birama Konaté.

"We're ready for the battle. The players are mentally ready. They're motivated and they're inspired. Our goal is to win the three points and qualify."

With Cameroon through at the top of Group D following their victories over Mali and Ghana, whoever emerges with the spoils from Thursday's game will take on Group C winners Malawi.

Cameroon edge past Ghana to reach last eight at Women's Africa Cup of Nations

Malawi through to last eight

Making their tournament debut, Malawi advanced to the quarter-finals on Wednesday night despite losing 2-1 to Zambia.

Barbra Banda and Prisca Chilufya scored in the first half at the Stade Al Medina in Rabat to put Zambia in control.

Malawi's Tabitha Chawinga reduced the deficit midway through the second half with what proved to be a crucial strike in the light of Nigeria's 6-2 romp past Egypt in the other Group C game.

With Nigeria, Zambia and Malawi all finishing the group-stage campaign on six points, with equal head-to-head records and head-to-head goal difference, the next criteria taken into account – head-to-head goals scored – left Zambia as the odd ones out.

Despite scoring the most goals in the group overall, conceding the fewest, beginning the day as pacesetters and winning their final group game, they only registered two goals in the matches between the three tied sides, compared to four for Malawi and three for Nigeria.

Nigeria, who beat Morocco to claim the 2024 crown, will continue the defence of their title against Cameroon on 9 August in Casablanca.

(with additional reporting by Marco Martins)