Ghana beat debutants Cape Verde to make winning TotalEnergies WAFCON start
Ghana began their TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 2-0 victory over debutants Cape Verde in their Group D opener on Wednesday.
Doris Boaduwaa gave the Black Queens the perfect start in the sixth minute, finishing after being set up by Portia Boakye.
Ghana doubled their lead in the second half when Cape Verde defender Eleia Vieira turned the ball into her own net in the 54th minute.
Cape Verde, playing their first ever match at the continental finals, ended the contest with 10 women after Klaydiana Borges was sent off in stoppage time.
The result gives Ghana a strong opening platform in a competitive group as they look to build on the bronze medal they won at the previous edition.
For Cape Verde, the defeat was a difficult start to a historic campaign, but their presence at the tournament remains a landmark moment for women’s football in the island nation.
Ghana entered the match with experience, expectation and a strong record against tournament debutants.
The Black Queens had never lost to a WAFCON newcomer, and they quickly showed the confidence of a side making their 12th appearance at the competition.
The breakthrough arrived after only six minutes.
Boakye, one of Ghana’s most experienced players, provided the assist for Boaduwaa, who found the net to settle the Black Queens early.
The goal immediately placed Cape Verde under pressure and allowed Ghana to manage the rhythm of the first half.
Cape Verde tried to respond with energy and commitment, but Ghana’s structure and tournament experience helped them protect the lead.
Cape Verde came into the match carrying the emotion of a first appearance at the TotalEnergies WAFCON.
Head coach Silvéria Nédio had described the fixture as a historic moment for her country, and her players showed determination despite falling behind early.
Cape Verde’s qualification had already been a major achievement after a strong campaign that included an impressive comeback against Mali.
But facing a Ghana side that finished third at the last edition was always going to be a difficult first test.
The debutants worked hard to stay in the game, but they struggled to consistently trouble the Ghana defence.
Ghana’s second goal arrived nine minutes after the restart.
A Ghana attack forced Cape Verde into difficulty inside their own area, and Vieira put the ball into her own net to make it 2-0.
That goal gave the Black Queens the cushion they needed and made Cape Verde’s task even harder.
Kim Lars Björkegren’s side then used their experience to control the game, making changes as they looked to protect the advantage and maintain their clean sheet.
The Ghana bench was also active in the second half, with players such as Alice Kusi, Princella Adubea, Abena Opoku and Evelyn Badu introduced as the team managed the closing stages.
Cape Verde’s frustration was completed in stoppage time when Borges was shown a red card, leaving the debutants to finish the match with 10 players.
For Ghana, the three points are important in a group where every result could matter.
