Rabat – Ghana takes on Cape Verde today at Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca in the opening Group D match of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The Black Queens arrive in Morocco determined to challenge for their first continental title since 1999 and strengthen their bid to qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Drawn in a competitive Group D alongside Cameroon, Mali, and Cape Verde, Kim Björkegren’s side will be looking to start their campaign with three points.
Cape Verde, meanwhile, makes its historic debut at the WAFCON finals after securing qualification for the tournament for the first time. Nicknamed the Blue Sharks, the island nation will hope to frustrate one of Africa’s traditional top-ranked teams with disciplined defending and quick counterattacks.
Match details
- Fixture: Ghana vs Cape Verde
- Competition: WAFCON 2026 – Group D, Matchday 1
- Venue: Moulay Rachid Stadium, Casablanca, Morocco
- Date: Wednesday, July 29, 2026
- Kick-off: 18:00 Morocco time (WET) / 17:00 UTC / GMT / 19:00 CEST
How to watch
- Morocco / MENA: Arryadia (SNRT), beIN Sports
- Global Streaming: CAF TV (YouTube)
- Selected African territories: CANAL+, SABC
Ghana team news
Form & Fitness: Ghana enters the tournament in good shape, with head coach Kim Björkegren expected to have a full squad available for the opening match.
Key Players: Forward Doris Boaduwaa will lead the attack, while midfielder Grace Asantewaa is expected to dictate play from the center of the pitch.
Cape Verde team news
Form & Fitness: Head coach Silvéria Nédio has assembled a balanced squad featuring experienced domestic players and professionals based abroad. The team heads into its tournament debut without any reported suspension concerns.
Key Players: Captain Melany Fortes provides leadership and defensive stability in midfield, while Ireland Lopes offers pace and attacking threat on the break.
What to expect
Ghana is expected to dominate possession and press high as it looks to impose itself from the opening whistle. The Black Queens will likely use their experience and attacking quality to control the tempo.
Cape Verde is expected to adopt a compact defensive shape, aiming to absorb pressure before launching quick counterattacks in search of an upset on its WAFCON finals debut.
Prediction: Ghana 2-0 Cape Verde
