The Black Queens' chances of securing a qualification to the last 8 of the ongoing Women's Africa Cup of Nations have shattered after a one-all draw with Mali at the Stade Berkane Municipal.
Ghana failed to record their first victory of the competition after being held to a 1-1 stalemate by the Malians in the second Group C fixture on Friday evening.
Coach Kim Bjorkegren's side faced the Malians after losing 2-0 to South Africa in the opening group game, making their hopes of securing a quarter-final stage ticket a difficult task for the Black Queens.
In the 6th minute, Alice Kusi registered the opener for Ghana when she bundled in a cross from Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah after the Mali goalkeeper failed to deal with the outswinging ball from the right side of the field.
Ghana delivered a masterclass performance in the first half, coming close to doubling their lead through Evelyn Badu, but he missed the golden opportunity in the 34th minute of the game.
Despite the Black Queens' incredible output in the first half, they failed to hold on to their lead as the Malians restored the parity of the match when Aissata Traore capitalised on a defensive blunder to make it 1-1.
The game ended in 1-1, giving Mali four points to top Group C, with South Africa on three points with their second game against Tanzania. A win for Bayana Bayana will take them to the top of the table on six points.
Mali will take on South Africa in the last Group C game, and Ghana’s final group game is against Tanzania on Monday, July 14.
The Black Queens now have one point from two games, with Tanzania seated at the bottom without a point from two games. Mali sits at the top of the group on four points pending the result of Friday's later game between South Africa and Tanzania.
