By Achore Richard
The dream of lifting the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations trophy has come to an end for Ghana’s Black Queens, but their journey to the FIFA Women’s World Cup is not over yet.
Ghana suffered a painful 2–1 defeat to Malawi, bringing an end to their 2026 WAFCON campaign and denying the Black Queens automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
It was a difficult evening for a team that had carried the hopes of a nation on its shoulders.
For the players, coaches and thousands of supporters who believed this could be the tournament where Ghana finally returned to the global stage, the final whistle brought a mixture of disappointment, frustration and heartbreak.
But there is still a road ahead.
The Black Queens must now overcome Côte d’Ivoire to secure a place in the inter-confederation play-offs. Should Ghana succeed, they will then have to win two more matches against teams from other confederations to earn a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
It is a difficult route — but it remains a route.
20 YEARS OF WAITING
Ghana’s absence from the Women’s World Cup has become one of the painful stories in the country’s women’s football history.
The last time the Black Queens graced the biggest stage in women’s football was 2007, when Ghana qualified for the tournament hosted by China.
That campaign remains unforgettable, largely because of the presence of one of Ghana’s greatest women’s footballers — legendary captain Grace Adjoa Bayor.
Bayor led the Black Queens with courage and distinction and famously produced a moment of brilliance against Norway, scoring a superb free-kick that remains one of Ghana’s memorable Women’s World Cup moments.
Since then, Ghana has waited.
Year after year, generation after generation, the Black Queens have tried to find their way back.
Now, another generation stands on the edge of history.
THE DREAM IS NOT DEAD
The defeat to Malawi hurts, but it must not be allowed to define the Black Queens’ entire journey.
There is still an opportunity to rewrite the story.
The players must pick themselves up, recover from the disappointment and prepare for what could be the most important matches of their careers.
The road will be unforgiving.
Côte d’Ivoire stands between Ghana and the inter-confederation play-offs. Beyond that lies another challenge, two victories needed to finally end a 20-year wait for a place at the Women’s World Cup.
It is a mountain to climb.
But football has always been about second chances.
For the Black Queens, the dream that began in 2007 does not have to end in 2026.
The tears of tonight can become the fuel for tomorrow.
Ghana still believes.
And somewhere, the spirit of the legendary Black Queens who paved the way led by Grace Adjoa Bayor in China, will be urging this new generation forward.
The WAFCON dream may be over. But the World Cup dream is still alive.
The Black Queens now have one mission:
Fight. Believe. Qualify.
Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of The Accra Daily Mail, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
