2026 WAFCON: Black Queens miss automatic 2027 World Cup qualification after Malawi defeat

Ghana’s Black Queens have missed out on automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Malawi in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The decisive encounter was played on Sunday at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat, with Malawi coming from behind to eliminate Ghana and secure a place in the semifinals.

Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Björkegren retained the same starting lineup that featured in Ghana’s final Group D match against Mali, where the two sides drew 1-1.

Ghana entered the quarterfinal tie as Group D runners-up behind Cameroon, while Malawi progressed from Group C ahead of Nigeria and Zambia.

The Black Queens made a bright start and took the lead as early as the sixth minute through Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah.

The forward reacted quickest to a rebound to put Ghana ahead and give her side an early advantage.

Ghana came close to doubling their lead when Evelyn Badu connected with a cross from Alice Kusi, but her header narrowly missed the target.

Malawi, however, responded almost immediately, with Temwa Chawinga restoring parity after her effort took a wicked deflection off Ghana midfielder Grace Asantewaa and found the back of the net.

The Black Queens continued to create opportunities, with Doris Boaduwaa forcing a save from the Malawian goalkeeper with a shot from just outside the penalty area.

At the other end, Ghana goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan produced an important save shortly before halftime to prevent Malawi from taking the lead.

The two sides went into the break level at 1-1.

Ghana appeared to have regained the advantage after the restart when Boaduwaa found the net, but the effort was ruled out for offside following a review of the build-up.

Malawi grew into the game and eventually completed their comeback in the 79th minute.

Rose Kadzere played a key role in a sustained spell of possession before Malawi found the breakthrough to take the lead for the first time in the contest.

Konlan once again kept Ghana in contention, making a crucial save to deny Temwa Chawinga as Malawi pushed for a third goal.

The Black Queens mounted a late assault in search of an equaliser, but they could not find a way through the Malawian defence.

The defeat ended Ghana’s hopes of reaching the WAFCON semifinals and also denied the Black Queens automatic qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

Ghana, who are seeking a return to the global tournament for the first time since 2007, will now have another opportunity to secure their place at the World Cup.

The Black Queens will face Côte d’Ivoire in a playoff in Casablanca, with qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup at stake.

Meanwhile, Malawi will continue their impressive campaign when they face Algeria in the WAFCON semifinals on Wednesday, August 12, at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.