Yusif Basigi’s outfit will have to avoid defeat to secure the passage to the knockout stage of championship
Ghana’s quest to regain a place among the continent’s elites continues when they face Mali in the 2016 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon on Saturday.
In what will be their last group game at the championship, the Black Queens will hope to make the last four for the first time in 10 years
Coach Yusif Basigi’s ladies began the tournament on a high note with a 3-1 victory over debutants Kenya.
Their confidence then moved up a notch three days later following a 1-1 stalemate with all-time continental great Nigeria.
One point above third-placed Mali on the group table, the Queens will progress to the semis with anything but a defeat.
Ghana will, however, be playing without defender Cynthia Adobea who injured her right hip in the draw with Nigeria.
Nonetheless, Basigi will be excited by the form of Sweden-based Elizabeth Addo, who has turned out to be the team’s linchpin thus far.
“We want to qualify for the semi-finals without any doubt and that will mean winning,” Addo has said.
“Besides, we want to keep our unbeaten record so far.”
Mali helplessly conceded six times against Nigeria, but will not by any means be pushovers.
The team have since been boosted by their 3-1 win over Kenya on Wednesday.
Bassira Toure was the hero on the day, netting a second half double, with Sebe Coulibaly fetching the last.
“Expect another surprise in the next match against Ghana,” coach Omar Guindo said after the game.
“The players were very motivated and played very well. Our objective is to qualify to the next round and if we beat Ghana, we can achieve it.”
Ghana’s last meeting with Mali at the championship ended in a 1-0 triumph at the 2006 event, same tournament which marks the Queens’ last appearance in the grand final.
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