Ghana’s Black Queens suffered a 2-1 defeat to Malawi’s Scorchers after a dramatic encounter at the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, bringing their campaign to an end.
The Black Queens made a bright start and took the lead in the seventh minute through Shantel Boye-Hlorkah. The forward reacted quickest to a rebound after a shot had been fired inside the Malawi penalty area, firing the loose ball into the net to give Ghana an early 1-0 advantage.
Malawi responded just five minutes later, with Temwa Chawinga restoring parity in the 12th minute. Chawinga unleashed a long-range effort that took a deflection on its way to goal, leaving Ghana goalkeeper Konlan with little chance as the Scorchers levelled the contest at 1-1.
The game remained evenly poised as both sides searched for another breakthrough. Malawi came close to taking the lead in the dying moments of the first half, but Konlan reacted quickly to deny the Scorchers and ensure the teams went into the break level.
The second half continued in a closely contested fashion, with Ghana pushing to regain control of the match. However, Malawi eventually found the decisive breakthrough with just 10 minutes remaining.
Kadzere struck for the Scorchers to put Malawi 2-1 ahead, leaving the Black Queens with limited time to find an equaliser.
Ghana pushed forward in search of a late response and created pressure in the closing stages, but their efforts failed to produce the much-needed equalising goal.
The defeat brings the Black Queens’ WAFCON campaign to a close, with Ghana now set to turn their attention to the World Cup playoffs as they continue their quest to secure a place on the global stage.
