WAFCON 2026: Black Queens will ‘make wonders’ and qualify against Mali – Mercy Tagoe

Former Black Queens coach Mercy Tagoe Quarcoo believes Ghana will overcome Mali and secure qualification to the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The Black Queens face Mali in a decisive Group D encounter in Rabat on Thursday, knowing a draw will be enough to send them through to the knockout stage, while their opponents must win to advance.

Speaking on Max FM, Tagoe expressed confidence in the team’s chances despite their mixed start to the tournament, which has seen Ghana record one win and one defeat from their opening two matches.

The Black Queens began their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Cape Verde before suffering a narrow 1-0 loss to Cameroon.

Tagoe, however, believes Ghana have the quality and experience to overcome the challenge posed by Mali.

“One win, one defeat heading into a crucial game which will determine whether they qualify. Not really [she said when asked if it’s a 50/50 game]. But my dear, I am a Ghanaian and very patriotic. So I believe Ghana Black Queens are going to make wonders today. They are going to win their game and qualify.”

She added that Ghana’s desire to return to the FIFA Women’s World Cup should serve as extra motivation for the players.

“It’s been years since we saw ourselves in the World Cup. So every women’s football-loving Ghanaian wants Black Queens to win.”

Tagoe also backed head coach Kim Lars Björkegren to prepare the right strategy to overcome Mali and secure progression.