Mercy Tagoe urges Black Queens to improve composure against Mali

Former Black Queens head coach Mercy Tagoe has advised Ghana's attackers to remain calm in the final third ahead of their Group D match against Mali at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations.

Speaking on Max FM, the Oaks FC coach noted that while the team creates chances, they must improve their decision-making in dangerous areas. She specifically highlighted the need for players to take their time when entering the penalty area rather than rushing their actions.

Tagoe used the previous match against Cameroon to illustrate her point. She observed that a missed opportunity to equalize occurred because a player rushed a shot directly at the goalkeeper instead of assessing the situation.

According to Tagoe, players should evaluate the goalkeeper's position and the movement of their teammates before deciding whether to cross the ball or shoot. She emphasized that patience in front of goal is essential for the team to secure a place in the knockout stages.

The upcoming fixture in Rabat carries significant implications for both sides. A draw will be enough for Ghana to qualify for the quarter-finals, whereas Mali must win the match to overtake them in the group standings.

Ghana's attacking efficiency has been inconsistent during the tournament. The Black Queens scored two goals during their opening victory over Cape Verde but were unable to score in their subsequent game against Cameroon.