Wasteful Ghana Let Mali Snatch Point, WAFCON Group C in Chaos

DDM News

Ghana’s hopes of qualifying for the quarter-finals of the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) remain uncertain after a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Mali on Friday at the Stade Municipal de Berkane.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the Group C encounter lived up to its billing as a crucial decider, with both sides displaying determination and flashes of brilliance.

Ghana struck first through Alice Kusi, but Mali responded in the second half with a composed finish from Aïssata Traoré, leaving the group wide open ahead of the final round of fixtures.

Following a disappointing 2-0 defeat to defending champions South Africa in their opening match, the Black Queens entered the game with urgency and purpose.

Their pressure paid off early. In the 6th minute, after a near-miss header from Doris Boaduwaa, Alice Kusi reacted quickly to slot home from close range and give Ghana a deserved lead.

Mali, who had earlier defeated Tanzania, regained composure and grew steadily into the match.

The attacking trio of Aïssata Traoré, Saratou Traoré, and Agueissa Diarra began testing Ghana’s defence with swift counter-attacks and clever link-up play.

Despite dominating the first half, Ghana failed to capitalise on key opportunities. Boaduwaa, Kusi, and Evelyn Badu each came close but were denied by the brilliance of Mali’s goalkeeper, Fatoumata Karentao, who commanded her area with confidence and made several vital saves.

The equaliser came in the 52nd minute when Saratou Traoré split the Ghanaian defence with a precise through ball, and Aïssata Traoré finished coolly to bring Mali level.

In the closing stages, Ghana intensified their attacks with efforts from Princella Adubea, Grace Asantewaa, and Jennifer Cudjoe. However, Karentao held firm, preserving the draw under relentless pressure.

The result places Mali at the top of the group with four points, while Ghana sits on just one point and must beat Tanzania in their final match to have any chance of advancing.

They must also rely on other results going their way.

As Group C heads into its final games, the race for qualification remains fiercely contested.

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