Why Ghana’s Black Queens need only a Draw to progress to Quarter Finals

By: Naa Amanoa Asamoah

Date: 3rd August 2026

1 week ago

Ghana’s Black Queens need only a draw in their final group-stage match to book their place in the knockout stage, with Article 71 of the tournament regulations outlining the criteria to be used to separate teams tied on points.

Article 71 of the CAF Regulations for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations states that if two teams finish level on points, they will be ranked according to a set of criteria.

The Regulations provide as follows:

71.1 In case of equality between two teams at the end of the group matches, the teams will be ranked according to the following criteria in the order listed below:
71.1.1: The greatest number of points obtained in the match between the two teams concerned (head-to-head result).
71.1.2: The goal difference in all group matches.
71.1.3: The greatest number of goals scored in all group matches.
71.1.4: A drawing of lots conducted by the Organising Committee

For Ghana, it is Article 71.1.2 that currently works in the Black Queens’ favour.

With the head-to-head criterion in Article 71.1.1 not separating the teams in the relevant qualification scenario when there is a draw game, the regulations move to overall goal difference in all group matches, where Ghana holds the advantage.

The Group D table after Matchday 2 depicts the Black Queens at second place with 3 points and one (+1) goal difference. While Mali has 3 points with a zero (0) goal difference in their two matches.

As a result, a draw in their final group fixture would be enough for the Black Queens to finish above their rivals on the standings and secure a place in the knockout stage, due to their superior goal difference.

Thus, the Black Queens need to avoid defeat in this Thursday match against Mali to progress to the quarter-finals of the CAF WAFCON 2026.

Qualification to the quarter-finals remains very crucial for both teams, Ghana and Mali, since it is the deciding match for the FIFA Women’s World Cup (Brazil 2027) and the semi-finals of the 2026 WAFCON.