WAFCON 2026: Ghana and Cameroon battle for quarter-final spot

Group D resumes with two decisive matches as qualification race intensifies

The race for the quarter-finals at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations continues on Sunday, with Ghana and Cameroon meeting in a pivotal Group D encounter while Cape Verde and Mali face a must-win battle later in the evening.

Both Ghana and Cameroon opened their campaigns with victories and now have the opportunity to move a step closer to the knockout stage.

The Black Queens and the Indomitable Lionesses will meet at the Moulay Rachid Stadium at 5:00 PM in what is expected to be the standout fixture of the day’s programme.

Later, Cape Verde and Mali will contest the second Group D match at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, with both teams looking to avoid a second consecutive defeat that would end their hopes of progressing.

Ghana and Cameroon seek control of Group D

Sunday’s opening match brings together two teams that made winning starts to the tournament.

Ghana began its campaign by defeating Cape Verde and now enters the second round of fixtures aiming to continue that momentum.

A second victory would strengthen the Black Queens’ position in the group and move them closer to securing qualification for the quarter-finals.

Head coach Kim Björkegren and his players will be looking to build on their opening performance against an opponent with identical ambitions.

Cameroon also collected three points in its first outing after overcoming Mali.

The Indomitable Lionesses arrive full of confidence following that victory and will attempt to maintain their perfect start when they take on the bronze medallists from the previous Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Led by coach Valentine Nguele, Cameroon will once again rely on experienced players, including Gabrielle Aboudi Onguéné, as the team looks to claim another important result.

With both sides level on points, the encounter could have a significant impact on the final Group D standings.

Cape Verde and Mali face fight for survival

The second fixture of the day carries enormous importance for Cape Verde and Mali.

After losing their opening matches, both nations enter Sunday’s contest knowing another defeat would eliminate them from the competition.

For Cape Verde, the tournament represents the country’s first appearance at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finals.

Despite that lack of experience, the island nation still hopes to make a positive impression and keep alive its ambition of earning a place at the Women’s World Cup.

Standing in its way is a Mali side determined to recover from a painful opening defeat.

The Eagles had taken the lead from the penalty spot against Cameroon before conceding late in the match.

That result left Mali without points despite a competitive display, making Sunday’s fixture crucial for their hopes of remaining in the tournament.

The outcome will determine which nation keeps its qualification aspirations alive heading into the final round of Group D fixtures.

Sunday’s Women’s AFCON 2026 Schedule

Group D Fixtures

5:00 PM

• Ghana vs Cameroon
• Venue: Moulay Rachid Stadium

8:00 PM

• Cape Verde vs Mali
• Venue: Larbi Zaouli Stadium

As Group D reaches its second round of matches, every point becomes increasingly valuable.

While Ghana and Cameroon have the opportunity to edge closer to the quarter-finals, Cape Verde and Mali will be fighting to extend their stay in the competition and keep their qualification hopes alive.