Ghana denies Mali to keep hopes alive
Ghana remains in with a slim chance of qualifying for the knockout stages at the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations after a 1-1 draw with Mali in a combative west African derby.
The Black Queens took an early lead in the sixth minute when Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah's cross from the right wing caused all sorts of problems in the Mali box and was somehow bundled home by Alice Kusi, despite suspicions of a foul at the back post.
Ghana held the lead into the break, but soon after the restart, Mali found a way back with a crucial equaliser from Aissata Traore, who finished neatly from inside the box after being put through by Saratou Traore.
The result mean Ghana earned a point to keep its hopes alive of making the knockout stage, but it will have to beat Tanzania in its final Group C match to stand any chance, and the result between South Africa and Mali will also need to finish in its favour.
Mali needs just to draw with South Africa to qualify, and that result would also put defending champions Bayana Bayana into the knockout stage of the tournament.
