Group D action at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) kicks off with a compelling structural clash as ambitious Ghana lock horns with tournament debutants Cape Verde on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 (17:00 BST) at the Grand Stade de Marrakech.
With direct qualification tickets to the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil at stake for all semi-finalists, Ghana enter as heavy favorites looking to assert technical dominance early.
However, Cape Verde's defensive compactness and high-energy low block present an immediate tactical puzzle for the Black Queens to solve.
Striver.Football profiles the six key players set to dictate this opening Group D encounter.
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Ghana (Black Queens): Technical Security & High-Intensity Fluidity
Doris Boaduwaa: The Dynamic Number 9 Central Target
Tactical Profile: Boaduwaa is a lethal number nine who excels at taking her chances inside the box, demonstrated by crucial hat-tricks and high scoring form for both club and country.
She shows a strong understanding of space, allowing her to time her runs effectively behind defensive lines or exploit gaps in the penalty area. Her ability to combine strength with relentless pressing, making it difficult for defenders to comfortably play out from the back.
For Ghana, she will act as the primary spearhead in the attack, holding up the ball to bring midfielders and wingers into play. Additionally, her willingness to drift into channels or pressing high to force turnovers helps her to fit smoothly into modern high-intensity tactical systems.
Evelyn Badu: The Progressive Box-to-Box Playmaker
Tactical Profile: Enjoying the honor of being the first-ever player to win the CAF Young Player of the year and Interclub Player of the Year awards simultaneously back in 2022, Badu, who rose to prominence with Hasaacas Ladies in Ghana, primarily operating as a central attacking midfielder or winger.
She possesses exceptional vision and a natural passing ability to unlock defensive lines. Unlike traditional midfielders who stay deep, Badu has an eye for late box arrivals and a lethal long-range shot.
Standing at 1.66m, she uses superb close-control dribbling and core physical strength to hold off challenges in tight spaces.
Portia Boakye: The Veteran Ball-Playing Sweeper
Tournament Tracker: TP Mazembe Defender, National Team Captain
Tactical Profile: As the veteran leader anchoring the backline, Boakye has seamlessly transitioned from a lethal, direct left-winger/forward to an experienced, commanding centre-back and left-back.
She possesses excellent crossing ability and long-range passing accuracy, making her highly effective at launching counter-attacks from deep defensive positions.
As a "seasoned general" on the pitch, her tactical discipline, positioning, and calmness under pressure act as the stabilising backbone for Ghana's defensive line.
Cape Verde (Blue Sharks): Defensive Containment & Transition Outlet
Sandra Soares-Martins: The Prolific Focal Point
Tactical Profile: Playing for London Bees in England, she proved her clinical final-third efficiency by netting 13 goals.
Prior to joining the Bees, she developed her game across several prominent English sides, including spells with Leeds United, Crystal Palace, Tottenham Hotspur's development squad, and Sheffield United.
She is an ambidextrous attacker who prefers playing with both feet. Her style relies heavily on technical flair, close-control dribbling, and a desire to directly take on defenders in 1v1 situations.
Alivia Kelly: The Low-Block Anchor
Tournament Tracker: Core Central Defender, Defensive Anchor
Tactical Profile: Kelly is an athletic, tall, and physical defender who excels in aerial duels and physical containment inside the penalty box. She is highly comfortable keeping possession and launching precise passing sequences from deep defensive zones to construct building plays.
Known for her durable stamina, elite discipline, and tactical calmness when facing elite pressing attackers.
Varsenia da Luz: The Utility Leader
Tactical Profile: Naturally operating as an intelligent left-back or right-back, she combines strict defensive awareness with the work rate to push forward on overlap sequences.
Possesses a strong execution technique on set plays and a knack for arriving in the final third during crucial qualification fixtures.
Widely recognised as the vocal anchor of Cape Verdean football, she focuses on utilizing a structured, cohesive team collective to frustrate star-studded opposition.
Three Lessons Young Footballers Can Learn
Doris Boaduwaa & Evelyn Badu’s Lethal Nature: Against a Cape Verdean defense structured to sit deep and protect central lanes, Boaduwaa and Badu could be the perfect dual threat.
Boaduwaa’s intelligent spatial movement could put defenders out of position, while Badu’s progressive passing and signature late box arrivals could systematically dismantle Cape Verde's mid-block.
Portia Boakye’s Evolution: Boakye’s seamless transformation from a direct wide forward into a commanding, ball-playing defensive general gives the Black Queens complete structural security.
Cape Verde’s Low-Block Discipline: Despite their debutant status, Cape Verde could prove they are built to frustrate group opponents, the exact same way their male counterparts proved at the 2026 World Cup.
Anchored by Alivia Kelly’s physical containment inside the 18-yard box and Varsenia da Luz’s disciplined leadership, the Blue Sharks could protect central spaces effectively.
