Evelyn Badu gives Ghana crucial edge against Mali before the break

Ghana moved a step closer to the quarter-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 after Evelyn Badu scored in first-half stoppage time to give the Black Queens a 1-0 lead over Mali.

The result puts Ghana in a strong position at half-time in a match both sides had identified as one they could not afford to lose. Mali, represented by the Aigles Dames, now face the task of finding a way back into the game after conceding at the worst possible moment.

The opening exchanges were cautious, with neither team immediately able to impose its authority. Ghana gradually grew into the contest, however, and began to take control of possession and territory as the half progressed.

Asantewaa produced the first real attacking threat in the 11th minute, signalling Ghana’s growing intent. But the Mali defence reacted well to the danger and prevented the opportunity from developing into an opening goal.

Mali also looked to create chances, ensuring the match remained competitive despite Ghana’s increasing influence. Both teams committed players forward at different stages, but neither goalkeeper was beaten during normal time in the first half.

That changed just before the interval. After sustained pressure from Ghana, Badu found space inside the Mali defence and went unnoticed as the Aigles Dames’ back line failed to track her movement.

She then finished past the Mali goalkeeper to break the deadlock in added time and send the Black Queens into the interval with a valuable advantage.

Ghana’s lead reflects the momentum they built during the half, although the timing of the goal gives Mali little opportunity to respond before the break. The Aigles Dames must now raise their performance after half-time if they are to keep their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals alive.

For Ghana, the challenge will be to protect the advantage they have worked to establish and prevent Mali from turning the contest around. The Black Queens have taken the decisive step in a finely balanced match, but the outcome remains dependent on how they manage the second half.

With the score at 1-0, Ghana are in an advantageous position. Mali, meanwhile, must regroup and find an equaliser if they are to avoid leaving themselves with an increasingly difficult route to the knockout stage.