The Black Queens' unbeaten start to the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations came to an end on Sunday after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in their second Group D match.
A first-half penalty from Marie Gisele Ngah Manga proved the difference in a closely contested encounter, handing the Indomitable Lionesses all three points and leaving Ghana with a crucial final group game against Mali.
Cameroon were awarded the penalty following a lengthy VAR review, which ruled that Benedicte Simon had handled the ball inside the area. Manga stepped up confidently and converted from the spot, sending goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan the wrong way.
The Black Queens responded well and created several promising opportunities. Doris Boaduwaa came closest before the break, but her close-range effort was kept out by the Cameroonian goalkeeper.
Head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren made attacking changes after the restart, introducing Evelyn Badu as Ghana searched for an equaliser. The substitutions added urgency to the Black Queens' attack, with Portia Boakye and Badu both threatening the Cameroon defence.
Badu thought she had levelled the scores in the second half, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside after a review.
Despite a spirited finish, Ghana were unable to find a breakthrough and suffered their first defeat of the tournament. The Black Queens must now beat Mali in their final Group D fixture on August 6 to book a place in the knockout stage.
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