The Black Queens succumbed to a 2-1 defeat against Malawi in the quarter-final of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on August 9, 2026.

The game was tight from the onset, but Ghana dominated early and piled on pressure, leading to the opening goal from Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, who produced a composed finish to give the Queens control of the contest.

Malawi responded fiercely, mounting relentless attacks that created danger. Their persistence paid off in the 12th minute when Temwa Chawinga equalized, restoring parity and setting up a tense battle for a semi-final spot.

Malawi stun Ghana to end Black Queens’ WAFCON title hopes

The decisive moment came in the 79th minute when Rose Kadzere struck to complete the turnaround, putting the Scorchers ahead for the first time.

Ghana pressed for an equalizer in the closing stages, but Malawi held firm to secure a historic victory and book their place in the WAFCON semi-finals.

This defeat dealt a major blow to Ghana’s quest to qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, though they still have an opportunity to progress through the playoffs. The Queens will face Côte d’Ivoire at the continental level before competing for a global slot.

Watch the highlights below:

🎥 🇬🇭 GOAL!!! Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah opens the scoring for the Black Queens against Malawi.

6’ | Malawi 0-1 Ghana#CitiSports pic.twitter.com/dFqIrkm5DM

— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) August 9, 2026

🎥 GOAL!!! T. Chawinga equalises for Malawi against the Black Queens.

12’ | Malawi 🇲🇼 1-1 Ghana 🇬🇭 #CitiSports credit: MAXTV pic.twitter.com/p4C9NTaERZ

— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) August 9, 2026

🎥 Doris Boaduwaa finds the net to extend the Black Queens’ lead, but the flag goes up for offside.

Do you agree with the referee’s decision against Ghana? 🤔👇🏾#CitiSports Credit: MAXTV pic.twitter.com/iX8hZtj17P

— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) August 9, 2026

🎥 🇲🇼 GOAL!!! Kadzere extends Malawi’s lead against the Black Queens.

79’ | Malawi 2-1 Ghana 🇬🇭#CitiSports Credit: MAX TV pic.twitter.com/cgwwpXO9V5

— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) August 9, 2026