Ghana’s Black Queens are into the semi-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after a nerve-racking penalty shootout win over Algeria.
The quarter-final in Rabat ended goalless after 120 minutes of hard-fought football. It was goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan who stole the spotlight, saving two penalties to guide Ghana to a 4-2 victory in the shootout.
It’s the Queens’ first trip to the semi-finals since 2016, and they now face a daunting clash against host nation Morocco. The Moroccans, last year’s runners-up, will provide a stern test, but Ghana are flying high after their gritty display.
Ghana started the match brightly. Stella Nyamekye nearly found Priscilla Adubea with a teasing cross early on. Algeria responded with pressure from set-pieces, but Ghana’s backline stayed strong.
Nyamekye had the ball in the net midway through the first half, but VAR ruled her out for offside. The moment summed up Ghana’s frustrations in front of goal, creative but lacking the finishing touch.
In the second half, Ghana pushed harder. Doris Boaduwaa and Comfort Yeboah caused trouble down the wings, while captain Portia Boakye led from the back. Coach Kim Lars Björkegren made attacking changes, bringing on Evelyn Badu and Adubea.
Badu came close late in normal time but fired over from inside the box. In extra time, Ghana kept going, though the toll of the match was visible. Grace Asantewaa and Boakye played through pain to keep Algeria at bay.
When it came to penalties, Ghana were flawless. Boaduwaa, Sandra Owusu-Ansah, Adubea, and Josephine Bonsu all scored. Konlan’s saves sealed it, sending the players and fans into wild celebration.
Now, just one win separates Ghana from their first WAFCON final since 2006.
