Ghana’s Black Queens lost their first match of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, with a 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in their second Group D game.
Marie Gisele Ngah Manga scored a first-half penalty in a close match, giving Cameroon all three points. Now Ghana must win their final group game against Mali.
Cameroon got a penalty after a long VAR review showed Benedicte Simon handled the ball in the box. Manga scored from the spot, sending goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan the wrong way.
The Black Queens reacted well and created some good chances before halftime. Doris Boaduwaa nearly scored, but the Cameroonian goalkeeper made a great save from close range.
After halftime, coach Kim Lars Björkegren brought on Evelyn Badu to boost Ghana’s attack. The changes gave the Black Queens new energy, and both Badu and Portia Boakye challenged the Cameroon defense. Halfway through, her effort was ruled out for offside following a review.
Despite a strong late-game effort, the Black Queens could not find an equalizer and suffered their first loss of the tournament.
Now Ghana must beat Mali in their last Group D match on August 6 to qualify for the knockout stage.
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