Ghana are through to the quarterfinals of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations following their game against Mali on Thursday evening.

The Black Queens sealed their spot in the last eight after playing out a 1-1 draw with the Malians following Evelyn Badu's goal in the first half.

Kim Lars Bjorkegren made two changes to the Black Queens lineup that faced Cameroon in their second game, with Comfort Yeboah and Evelyn Badu coming into the team.

Benedicte Simon and Zakaria Ajegipina were the players sacrificed as Ghana chased a positive result.

The Black Queens had a strong start to the game, with Doris Boaduwaa, Grace Asantewaa and Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah all coming close to getting on the scoresheet, but the Malian goalkeeper was on hand to curb any danger.

Mali made the first substitution of the game when Fatoumata Karentao picked up an injury and was replaced by Aissatou Liberge.

Mali's first real attempt came in the 36th when Saratou Traore tried to beat Cynthia Konlan from a free kick, but the latter calmly collected the ball.

After chasing and chasing, Ghana eventually found the opening goal through Evelyn Badu, who headed brilliantly from Comfort Yeboah's inch-perfect cross to make it 1-0.

Five minutes into the second half, Mali drew level.

Substitute Kadidiatou Diabate scored from a free kick, beating Cynthia Konlan for the second time in the tournament from a set piece.

Boaduwaa should have restored the lead for Ghana, but her header from close range went just wide of the post.

Evelyn Badu had a second goal rightly ruled out for offside before Kim Lars Bjorkegren turned to his bench, bringing on Stella Nyamekye, Linda Owusu Ansah and Zakaria Ajegipina.

Following their second-place finish, the Black Queens will go on to play Malawi in the quarterfinals of the competition.

The game is scheduled for Sunday. August 9, in Rabat.