Cape Verde entered their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations opener in Casablanca with high hopes, aiming to mirror Malawi’s recent shock 3-2 win over Nigeria. But Ghana, ranked 60 places above their opponents, proved too strong, claiming a 2-0 victory at the Moulay Rachid Stadium on Wednesday.
Doris Boaduwaa, a 23-year-old striker with Hapoel Jerusalem, opened the scoring in the seventh minute, catching Cape Verde off guard with a well-timed run and a lob over goalkeeper Jacinta Rodrigues. Her clinical finish set the tone for the game, and Ghana’s dominance continued.
Eleia Vieira turned the match further in Ghana’s favor in the 54th minute with an own goal. A cross deflected off her and found the back of the net, leaving Cape Verde with an uphill battle. Despite Rodrigues' sharp saves, especially in the second half, the deficit proved insurmountable.
Cape Verde came closest to scoring late in the game when Ivania Moreira unleashed a long-range shot from the center circle that forced a reflex save from Ghana’s Cynthia Konlan. Just two minutes into added time, the visitors were reduced to 10 players when Kleydiana Borges was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Linda Ansah, confirmed by VAR.