Ghana, Cameroon win WAFCON 2026 openers; set up blockbuster Group D clash
Ghana defeated Cape Verde 2-0 and Cameroon beat Mali 2-1 in their opening Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 Group D matches on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, in Casablanca. Doris Boaduwaa scored for Ghana in the sixth minute, and an own goal by Cape Verde’s Eleia Vieira in the 54th minute sealed the win. For Cameroon, Ngah Manga netted in the 14th minute and again from a penalty in the 72nd minute after a VAR review, while Mali’s Aïssata Traoré had equalised from the spot in the 30th minute.
The victories leave both teams with three points, topping Group D ahead of their highly anticipated Sunday showdown. Ghana extends its unbeaten record against tournament debutants, having never lost to a first-time WAFCON participant. Cameroon improves its head‑to‑head edge over Mali to four wins and one draw from their last five encounters, and marks its 13th appearance at the continental championship, having featured in every edition since 1998 except the last tournament.
For Nigerian fans tracking the Super Falcons’ path, the results signal which West African sides are early frontrunners and what tactical styles to watch if Nigeria meets either team in the knockout stage. The upcoming Ghana‑Cameroon fixture will likely decide who advances as group winner, influencing quarter‑final pairings.
Will you follow the Sunday clash to see which team secures the top spot, and how their performance might shape Nigeria’s prospects in the tournament?