Ghana’s Black Queens have booked their place in the semifinals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) following a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Algeria on Saturday afternoon in Berkane.
Goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan emerged as the hero of the day, producing two crucial saves during the shootout to propel Ghana into the last four for the first time in nine years.
The Black Queens started the match on the front foot and thought they had broken the deadlock midway through the first half when Stella Nyamekye found the back of the net. However, the goal was chalked off after a VAR review.
Ghana maintained their dominance throughout the first half, with Doris Boaduwaa and Chantelle Hlorkah both coming close to opening the scoring.
In the second half, head coach Kim Lars Björkegren made key changes, introducing Evelyn Badu for Nyamekye, followed by Princella Adubea replacing Princess Marfo. Badu later had a golden chance to snatch a late winner but fluffed her effort, sending the match into extra time.
The Black Queens started extra time cautiously but ended on a strong note, creating two clear-cut opportunities through Boaduwaa. Unfortunately, the striker was unable to convert either of her one-on-one chances.
In the ensuing shootout, Konlan’s brilliance between the posts proved decisive, with Ghana winning 4-2 on penalties to advance.
Ghana will now face host nation Morocco in the semifinals on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat. Kick-off is set for 19:00 GMT.
This semifinal appearance marks Ghana’s first since 2016 under Swedish coach Kim Lars Björkegren. The Black Queens will be aiming to overcome a formidable Moroccan side—last year’s finalists—in a bid to secure their first WAFCON final berth since 2006.
