Ghana’s Black Queens will look to continue their winning start to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) when they face Cameroon in a crucial Group D meeting at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco, tomorrow.
Both teams opened the tournament with victories and have three points, making this a contest that could decide who takes control of the group. A second successive win would put either side in a strong position to reach the quarter-finals with one match still to play.
The encounter is expected to be one of the highlights of the second round of group fixtures, with Ghana and Cameroon bringing attacking ambition, physical strength and defensive discipline to the contest.
Ghana began their return to the continental stage with a 2-0 victory over tournament debutants Cape Verde last Wednesday. Doris Boaduwaa gave the Black Queens an early lead before an own goal completed the scoring.
The result appeared comfortable, although Ghana had to overcome a hesitant start. They gradually found their rhythm, took greater control of possession and showed more composure after half-time to claim all three points.
Cameroon also made a winning start, beating a determined Mali side 2-1 in a closely fought match. The Indomitable Lionesses relied on their familiar physicality and attacking quality to secure the points and keep their knockout-stage ambitions firmly on course.
With the teams level at the top of Group D, the match has effectively become a contest for first place. Victory would strengthen Ghana’s position at the summit and greatly improve their prospects of reaching the quarter-finals before their final group game. Cameroon, however, will be determined to overtake the Black Queens and establish themselves as favourites to finish top.
Ghana head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren has repeatedly stressed that every group match must be approached like a final. The Swedish coach is expected to adjust his tactics to deal with Cameroon’s direct and aggressive approach.
After the win against Cape Verde, Bjorkegren said nerves had affected his players during the opening stages and stopped them from showing their usual confidence in the first half. He was encouraged by the response after the interval, describing the performance as a major improvement and a better reflection of the team’s quality.
His immediate task will be to ensure Ghana start with the same authority against a Cameroon side capable of taking advantage of any lapse in concentration.
Josephine Bonsu is likely to be central to the Black Queens’ hopes again after being named Player of the Match for her influential display in midfield against Cape Verde. Her ability to regain possession, control the pace of the game and connect defence with attack could prove decisive.
Boaduwaa will aim to build on her opening goal, while Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah’s speed and creativity on the wings give Ghana an important attacking outlet. Experienced players Portia Boakye and Jennifer Cudjoe are expected to add leadership and calmness, with goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan responsible for organising the defence against Cameroon’s forwards.
Ghana are pursuing a first WAFCON title. They have finished runners-up three times, in 1998, 2002 and 2006, but have never lifted the trophy despite their status as one of Africa’s traditional football powers.
Their hopes have been boosted by Nigeria’s opening-day defeat, a result that has made the tournament appear more open than expected. Ghana will remain focused on their own campaign, but the early setback for one of the pre-tournament favourites has reinforced the view that several leading teams could win the competition.
Cameroon may represent Ghana’s toughest challenge so far. The Indomitable Lionesses have a well-balanced squad featuring physical power, pace and technical quality, and are regarded as one of Africa’s most difficult teams to break down. They are also seeking their first WAFCON title after several near misses.
Cameroon head coach Valentine Nguele has recognised Ghana’s quality but said her players would concentrate on imposing their own style. She expects another demanding match after the Black Queens’ impressive opening performance, while believing her team can build on the victory over Mali and secure another positive result.
The teams have a history of close encounters. They drew 1-1 at the 2018 WAFCON before Ghana won 2-0 at the 2021 Aisha Buhari Cup.
That victory will provide further encouragement for the Black Queens, while Cameroon will be eager to avenge the defeat and reassert themselves against one of their fiercest regional rivals.
