Kusi strikes early for Ghana
Under pressure to respond after a 2–0 loss to South Africa, Ghana seized control from the outset. In the 6th minute, Alice Kusi capitalised on sustained pressure, finishing close‑range after a Doris Boaduwaa header had narrowly missed, giving the Black Queens an early lead.
Traoré restores parity for Mali
Mali grew into the match and delivered a decisive blow in the 52nd minute. Saratou Traoré’s incisive through ball found Aïssata Traoré, who coolly finished past the Ghana goalkeeper to level the scoreline.
Ghana dominate but fail to clinch victory
Despite their strong start, Ghana struggled to extend their lead. Goalkeeper Fatoumata Karentao made several key saves to contain Boaduwaa, Kusi, and Evelyn Badu before half-time. In the second half, the Black Queens pressed hard—Princella Adubea, Grace Asantewaa, and Jennifer Cudjoe all threatened, but Mali’s resilient defense and Karentao’s heroics kept the score tied.
Implications for Group C battle
The draw sees Mali top the group with 4 points, while Ghana earn their first point and remain in contention. The Black Queens now face a must-win showdown against Tanzania, needing both victory and favorable results elsewhere to advance. Mali’s fate is similarly dependent on their final match.
Line-ups & Key Events
Ghana (3‑4‑1‑2): Konlan; Achiaa, Boakye, Duah; Cudjoe, Asantewaa, Boye‑Hlorkah, Kusi; Boaduwaa, Badu; Adubea (subs: Bonsu, Nyamekye)
Mali (4‑2‑3‑1): Karentao; …; Traoré, …; Aïssata Traoré; …
Goalscorers:
– Ghana – Alice Kusi (6′)
– Mali – Aïssata Traoré (52′)
Statistics Snapshot:
– Possession: Ghana 58%, Mali 42%
– Shots on goal: Ghana 3, Mali 1
– Attempts: Ghana 18, Mali 4
– Corners: Ghana 3, Mali 2
– Saves: Ghana 0, Mali 2
Discipline: Mali received a total of 4 yellow cards, Ghana 2 .
Match Summary:
Ghana started with dominance and were rewarded early, but Mali’s tactical adjustments bore fruit after half-time. Though Ghana pressed relentlessly in the later stages, the match ended evenly poised—revealing both teams’ resilience but also their shortcomings in finishing and seizing control.
Looking Ahead:
– Ghana: With their quarter-final hopes hanging by a thread, a must-win bout against Tanzania awaits.
– Mali: Sitting in a strong position with 4 points, they would be confident entering their final group match.
This fierce contest in the so-called “Group of Death” delivered drama, early goals, and a tense final quarter, highlighting the narrow margins that will define WAFCON’s progression race.