The Black Queens have been eliminated from the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after a 2-1 defeat to Malawi in the quarterfinals.

Kim Lars Björkegren’s side made a dream start when Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah gave Ghana the lead in the 7th minute.

Malawi responded strongly and drew level through star forward Temwa Chawinga in the 27th minute to make it 1-1 at the break.

Ghana pushed for a winner in the second half and thought they had found it when Doris Boaduwaa had the ball in the back of the net, but her effort was ruled out after a VAR check.

Malawi then grabbed the decisive goal inside the 79th minute through Rose Smith Kadzere to seal their place in the semifinals.

Despite a late push from the Black Queens, Malawi held firm to secure the win.

The defeat means Ghana misses out on automatic qualification to the FIFA Women’s World Cup, but the Black Queens still have a second route to the global showpiece through the playoffs.

Ghana will now face Ivory Coast in the first playoff eliminator on Thursday as they continue their push for a World Cup ticket.

GFA COMMUNICATIONS