Mercy Tagoe calls for mental strength ahead of Mali vs Ghana clash

Former Black Queens head coach Mercy Tagoe has advised the Ghana women's national team to prioritize mental fortitude and confidence ahead of their upcoming WAFCON 2026 fixture against Mali. The Group D encounter in Rabat will determine which side progresses to the quarter-finals.

Ghana enters the match needing only a draw to secure advancement. Conversely, Mali must achieve a victory to claim the second automatic qualification spot in the group. A successful result for the Black Queens would maintain their chances of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Tagoe noted that while the current squad possesses maturity, the focus must shift toward psychological readiness and understanding the tactical instructions of head coach Kim Lars Bjørgekren. She suggested that the players are experienced enough to handle the competition, provided they are motivated and clear on the team's strategy.

One specific area of concern identified by the former coach is the left-back position. Tagoe pointed to Benedicte Simon, noting that while the player is talented, she lacks experience in African competition cycles. She emphasized the need to prepare the player for the intensity of such matches.

Ghana's campaign in the tournament began with a 2-0 victory against Cape Verde. However, their momentum was interrupted by a 1-0 defeat to Cameroon. The upcoming match against Mali serves as a decisive moment for their progression in the tournament.