Ghana’s Black Queens suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in their second group match at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), despite a spirited second-half display that nearly earned them a point.
Cameroon made the breakthrough in the 19th minute after Ghana defender Benedicte Simon was penalised for a handball inside the penalty area. Ngah Manga stepped up and calmly converted from the spot, giving the Indomitable Lionesses an early advantage.
The Black Queens responded positively and almost restored parity before the break. Doris Boaduwaa came close after latching onto a well-worked attacking move, but her effort lacked the power to beat the Cameroonian goalkeeper.
Ghana emerged from the interval with renewed determination, dominating possession and piling pressure on the Cameroonian defence in search of an equaliser.
Their best opportunity arrived on the hour mark when Evelyn Badu met a low cross from Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, but she failed to direct her effort on target from close range.
The Black Queens believed they had finally found the breakthrough in the 80th minute when Evelyn Badu fired home from inside the penalty area. However, their celebrations were cut short as the referee disallowed the goal, preserving Cameroon’s slender lead.
Despite Ghana’s relentless late pressure, Cameroon held firm to secure all three points, leaving the Black Queens to reflect on a frustrating afternoon after a performance full of determination but lacking the finishing touch.
