Credit/ CAFonline

Ghana opened their 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a deserved 2-0 victory over tournament debutants Cape Verde, claiming three points and a clean sheet in their Group D opener.

The Black Queens, chasing a first WAFCON title after finishing runners-up on three occasions, dominated possession for long spells but were made to work hard by a disciplined Cape Verde side that defended resolutely and threatened on the counter-attack.

Ghana created the better opportunities in the opening stages, with Cape Verde goalkeeper Jacinta Rodrigues producing an excellent close-range save to deny the Black Queens an early breakthrough.

Cape Verde nearly stunned Ghana midway through the first half when a swift counter-attack sliced through the defence, but goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan reacted sharply to preserve parity with an important save.

The breakthrough arrived before half-time through a moment of outstanding vision from Portia Boakye. Spotting the run of Doris Boaduwaa, the defender launched a superb long-range pass from inside Ghana's own half that sailed over two Cape Verde defenders. Boaduwaa timed her run perfectly, reached the ball ahead of the advancing Rodrigues and delicately lifted her finish over the goalkeeper to hand Ghana a deserved lead.

The Black Queens continued to control the tempo after the restart, with Boakye and Evelyn Kusi stretching Cape Verde's defence as Ghana searched for a second goal to put the result beyond doubt.

That goal arrived when a dangerous ball into the penalty area forced Cape Verde defender Eleia Vieira into turning the ball into her own net under pressure, doubling Ghana's advantage and effectively ending the contest.

Cape Verde continued to battle until the final whistle but found few clear openings against a well-organised Ghana defence, as the Black Queens comfortably saw out the victory.

The win gives Ghana an ideal start to their Group D campaign and provides valuable momentum ahead of a tougher test against Cameroon on Sunday, 2 August, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 GMT. Victory in that encounter would leave the Black Queens well placed to secure a place in the knockout stage.