Ghana’s Black Queens have suffered a painful blow at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after Malawi stunned them 2-1 in a dramatic quarterfinal clash in Rabat on Sunday, August 9. The defeat not only ended Ghana’s WAFCON title hopes but also denied them automatic qualification to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

The Black Queens appeared to be heading in the right direction when Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah fired Ghana into an early lead, finding the net just minutes into the contest. However, the celebration did not last long as Malawi responded quickly through Temwa Chawinga, whose effort took a deflection before beating Ghana goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan.

Ghana continued to push and thought they had regained the advantage in the second half when Doris Boaduwaa found the back of the net. The celebrations were cut short, however, after the goal was ruled out for offside.

Then came the crushing moment.

Rose Kadzere struck in the 79th minute to put Malawi 2-1 ahead, leaving the Black Queens desperately chasing an equalizer. Despite Ghana’s late pressure, Malawi held firm to secure a historic semifinal qualification.

The result means Ghana will not claim one of the four automatic African tickets to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup through the WAFCON semifinals. The Black Queens’ long wait for a return to the global stage continues, having last featured at the Women’s World Cup in 2007.

However, Ghana’s World Cup dream is not completely over. The Black Queens are expected to face Côte d’Ivoire in a playoff in Casablanca, giving them another opportunity to remain in the qualification race through the intercontinental playoff route.

For Malawi, meanwhile, the fairytale continues as they march into the WAFCON semifinals following one of the biggest victories in their women’s football history.