Black Queens midfielder Jennifer Cudjoe says they are prepared for a difficult encounter against Mali but believes the team has the confidence and determination to secure a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Ghana head into Thursday’s decisive Group D clash looking to recover from a narrow 1-0 defeat to Cameroon, a result that postponed the Black Queens’ qualification hopes and left them needing a positive result against Mali to progress to the knockout stage.

Speaking ahead of the crucial fixture, Cudjoe admitted Mali would pose a stern challenge but insisted the Black Queens are focused on executing their game plan.

“We’ve played them before; they are a good team. We played them last year. We will approach it how we are approaching it, making sure we do what is right. It is not going to be the same as last year,” she told the media on Wednesday.

The two sides last met on 11 July 2025 during the WAFCON group stage, with the match ending in a 1-1 draw. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Ghana were unable to convert their superiority into a winning goal.

Cudjoe believes the Black Queens have learned from that encounter and are capable of rising to the occasion in another high-stakes meeting with the West Africans.

Victory over Mali would seal Ghana’s place in the quarter-finals and keep alive their hopes of lifting the continental title.

The match also carries added significance, as reaching the WAFCON semi-finals would secure the Black Queens a place at the next FIFA Women’s World Cup, ending the nation’s long wait for a return to football’s biggest stage.

Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 GMT.