Ghana’s Black Queens were left ruing missed chances as they settled for a 1-1 draw against Mali in their second Group C match at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), a result that complicates their chances of advancing to the knockout stage.

Head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren expressed disappointment after the game, played at the Stade Municipal de Berkane on Friday, noting that the performance merited more than just a point.

“We played a really good game. We had chances to win it. We are a bit sad, but we need to win the next game,” Bjorkegren said.

Ghana started brightly, taking the lead in the 6th minute through Alice Kusi, who pounced on a defensive error to score. The Black Queens dominated much of the first half but failed to convert further chances.

That inability to capitalise proved costly, as Mali regrouped after the break and equalised in the 52nd minute through Aissat Traore, who punished a defensive lapse to beat goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan Findiib.

The result leaves Ghana with just one point from two matches, having lost their opener 2-0 to South Africa. The Black Queens now face a must-win clash against Tanzania on Monday to have any hope of progressing from the group.

Meanwhile, Mali move to four points and are in a strong position to reach the knockout phase.