Ghana’s Black Queens saw their hopes of reaching the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) come to a heartbreaking end after a penalty shootout defeat to hosts Morocco.
Head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren named an unchanged starting XI from the side that edged Algeria on penalties to secure a semi-final berth.
The Black Queens started brightly, overcoming a hostile atmosphere to dominate the early exchanges. Stella Nyamekye and Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah both tested Moroccan goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi with decent efforts.
Ghana’s pressure eventually paid off when Stella Nyamekye opened the scoring, reacting quickest to slot home the rebound after Er-Rmichi had denied Josephine Bonsu’s header.
Doris Boaduwaa and Princess Marfo had opportunities to extend Ghana’s lead before the break but failed to convert, while Susan Ama Duah made a crucial goal-line clearance to preserve the lead heading into halftime.
After the restart, Nyamekye had another chance to double Ghana’s advantage but couldn’t apply the finishing touch. Goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan was then called into action for the first time, tipping over Najat Badri’s curling effort.
Morocco eventually found the equaliser in the 55th minute through Sakina Ouzraoui, who pounced on a loose ball to level the score.
Despite sustained Moroccan pressure, the Black Queens defended resolutely to force extra time for a second successive match. Both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances in the additional period, sending the contest to penalties.
Morocco converted all their spot-kicks, while misses from Evelyn Badu and Comfort Yeboah proved costly for Ghana, ending their quest for a first WAFCON final appearance since 2006.
The Black Queens will now turn their attention to the third-place playoff, where they will face South Africa on Friday, July 25, at the Stade Larbi Zaouli. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00 GMT.
