2026 Women’s AFCON: Group D wraps up its group stage with a Mali-Ghana clash

The standings before this final matchday

1^st Cameroon (6 pts), 2^nd Ghana (3 pts), 3^rd Mali (3 pts), 4^th Cape Verde (0 pt).

Cameroon has led the way since its two opening victories and cannot be overtaken. Ghana and Mali, tied on points but separated by goal difference in favor of the Ghanaians, are battling for the remaining qualifying spot. Cape Verde, beaten twice, is already eliminated.

Mali-Ghana: the real duel of the evening

This is THE match not to miss on this final day. Mali has no choice: a win is essential to overtake Ghana in the standings and secure a place in the quarter-finals. A draw or defeat would mean immediate elimination for the Eagles, who come into this after a win against Cape Verde (3-2) following an opening loss to Cameroon (1-2).

Ghana, on the other hand, heads into the match in a strong position: a victory or even just a draw would be enough for the Black Queens to punch their ticket, thanks to their record (2-0 win over Cape Verde, 0-1 loss to Cameroon).

History is largely in Ghana’s favor: in five meetings at the Women’s AFCON, Mali has won only once (2018), with a draw recorded the previous year.

Cape Verde – Cameroon: the Lionesses to finish in style

Already assured of finishing top of Group D thanks to their wins over Mali (2-1) and Ghana (1-0), the Indomitable Lionesses have nothing left to lose or gain in the standings. A victory would still be valuable to approach their quarter-final serenely, where they will meet their historic rivals, Nigeria.

On the other side, Cape Verde will play for pride. Eliminated after their losses to Ghana (0-2) and Mali (2-3), the Blue Sharks are nonetheless aiming for a historic first win in their very first Women’s AFCON appearance.