Boye-Hlorkah reflects on WAFCON 2026 frustration after 2-1 loss

Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah has described her frustration after Ghana’s Black Queens were eliminated from WAFCON 2026 by Malawi in a 2-1 quarter-final defeat. The result ended Ghana’s chance of securing automatic qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, but the team can still reach the finals through an intercontinental play-off route.

Boye-Hlorkah opened the scoring against Malawi, registering her only goal of the tournament. Ghana were unable to protect the lead, however, and the defeat left them needing victory over Ivory Coast to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

The forward acknowledged that the tournament had not developed as she had hoped on a personal level. She had wanted to make a stronger contribution to the team, but said she continued to work, believe in herself and compete through the difficult moments.

Her reflections on the campaign included the positive and negative experiences inside the squad. Boye-Hlorkah said the tournament had brought moments of happiness and disappointment, while also giving her lessons that would remain with her beyond the team’s stay in camp. She also reaffirmed her pride in wearing the Ghana shirt and her appreciation for those who supported the Black Queens.

The team’s quarter-final exit was followed by a dispute over unpaid allowances. The Black Queens issued a statement raising the issue, while Ghana’s Ministry of Sports and Recreation rejected the claim and presented payment receipts. The players later issued another statement, extending the disagreement between the team and the ministry.

Despite the setback, Boye-Hlorkah said Ghana’s World Cup campaign was not finished. The Black Queens must now pursue the remaining qualification route through the intercontinental play-offs, where their place at the 2027 tournament will be decided.