WAFCON 2026: Black Queens will deliver against Mali – Ghana forward Evelyn Badu promises

Black Queens forward Evelyn Badu has urged Ghanaians to continue supporting the national team, promising they will respond positively against Mali in their final Group D match at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Ghana’s hopes of early qualification for the quarter-finals suffered a setback after a 1-0 defeat to Cameroon on Sunday.

Marie Gisele Ngah Manga’s first-half penalty separated the two sides, while Badu saw a second-half equaliser ruled out for offside as the Black Queens fell to their first defeat of the tournament.

The result means Ghana must now beat Mali on August 6 to book a place in the knockout stage.

Despite the disappointment, Badu remains confident the team can recover and has called on fans to keep believing in the squad.

“I know they (Ghanaians) feel disappointed, but I would say they should keep supporting us, keep us in their prayers, and we’re going to deliver in the next game against Mali.”

The Black Queens began the tournament with victory over Cape Verde before suffering defeat to Cameroon, leaving qualification in the balance.

Badu believes the players have the quality and determination to rise to the occasion and keep Ghana’s WAFCON campaign alive.

Victory over Mali would send the Black Queens into the quarter-finals and keep their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup firmly on track.