Ghana defender Josephine Bonsu has called on supporters to continue backing the Black Queens after they began their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 2-0 victory over Cape Verde.
Bonsu was named Player of the Match after helping Ghana keep a clean sheet in their Group D opener in Morocco. The defender’s performance played a major part in ensuring the Black Queens collected three points from their first game.
Ghana made a strong start to the match when Doris Boaduwaa put them ahead early on. Their advantage was doubled in the second half when Cape Verde defender Eleia Vieira scored an own goal, completing a 2-0 win for coach Kim Lars Bjrkegren’s side.
The result gives Ghana an encouraging start to their campaign as they attempt to challenge for continental honours. Following the final whistle, Bonsu thanked supporters for their backing and asked them to remain behind the national team throughout the tournament.
“Ghanaians, please continue to support us. We need your help, and we need you, especially when we come back to Accra to celebrate the gold. It was a great game, and we are looking forward to having more beautiful games like this and continuing to win our games.”
Bonsu’s message came after a performance in which Ghana successfully prevented Cape Verde from scoring. Her defensive contribution was recognised with the Player of the Match award as the Black Queens secured their first three points of the competition.
The victory is also significant because Ghana were looking to respond positively after losing their opening match at the previous Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Their latest result provides an immediate improvement and gives the team momentum at the start of this year’s tournament.
Boaduwaa’s early goal gave Ghana the platform they needed, while Vieira’s own goal after the interval ensured the Black Queens finished the match with a two-goal advantage.
For Bjrkegren’s team, the clean sheet was another important feature of the opening performance. Ghana combined their attacking success with a disciplined defensive display, with Bonsu at the heart of the back line.
The defender’s appeal to supporters underlines the importance of the relationship between the Black Queens and their fans as the tournament progresses. Ghana will hope the support continues as they attempt to build on their opening result and move closer to their objective of winning the competition.
The Black Queens’ next challenge will come against Cameroon on 2 August. That match will give Ghana an opportunity to strengthen their position in Group D and maintain the momentum generated by their opening victory.
The win over Cape Verde has given the team three points and a clean sheet before their second group fixture. They will now look to produce another strong performance against Cameroon as they continue their campaign in Morocco.
Bonsu’s individual recognition also provides an early highlight for Ghana. After helping the team shut out Cape Verde, she was rewarded with the Player of the Match award, while the Black Queens secured a result that gives them a positive foundation for the remainder of the group stage.
With Cameroon next on the schedule, Ghana have little time to dwell on their opening success. Their focus will now turn to another important group match as they seek to continue winning games and fulfil their ambitions at the 2026 WAFCON.
