WAFCON 2026: Cameroon Beat Ghana 1-0 to Reach Quarter-Finals
Cameroon advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a 1-0 win over Ghana on Sunday. Marie Gisèle Divine Ngah Manga’s penalty in the first half ensured the Indomitable Lionesses’ perfect start in Group D.
Ngah Manga converted from the spot in the 19th minute after a VAR review ruled that Ghana defender Benedicte Simon had handled the ball inside the penalty area. The Cameroon forward sent goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan the wrong way to score the only goal of the match.
The victory lifted Cameroon to six points from two matches, ensuring their progression to the knockout stage and moving them to the top of Group D. Ghana remain on three points following their opening win over Cape Verde and must now avoid defeat against Mali in their final group match to strengthen their hopes of advancing.
Ghana made a bright start but struggled to create clear chances against a disciplined Cameroon defence after falling behind.
The Black Queens believed they had equalised in the 77th minute when Evelyn Badu found the net following a goalmouth scramble, but the effort was ruled out after a VAR review identified an offside offence involving Doris Boaduwaa in the build-up.
Cameroon held firm in the closing stages to record successive one-goal victories after opening the tournament with a 2-1 win over Mali.
Ngah Manga, who scored both goals against Mali in Cameroon’s opening match, has now netted three times in two games and continued her strong tournament form.
Cameroon complete their Group D campaign against Cape Verde on Aug. 6, while Ghana face Mali in a match likely to determine the group’s second quarter-final qualifier.
