Ghana’s Black Queens have secured a spot in the semifinals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Algeria on Saturday afternoon in Berkane.
Goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan was the standout performer, pulling off two crucial saves in the shootout to guide Ghana to a 4-2 win on penalties—marking their first semifinal appearance in nine years.
The Black Queens began the match with intensity and thought they had taken the lead midway through the first half when Stella Nyamekye found the net. However, the goal was ruled out following a VAR review.
Despite the setback, Ghana dominated the first half, creating multiple chances through Doris Boaduwaa and Chantelle Hlorkah, both of whom came close to scoring.
In the second half, head coach Kim Lars Björkegren made tactical changes to inject more energy, bringing on Evelyn Badu for Nyamekye and later Princella Adubea for Princess Marfo. Badu nearly won it late in regulation time but squandered a golden opportunity, sending the tie into extra time.
The Black Queens adopted a cautious approach in the first half of extra time but finished strong. Boaduwaa was twice denied in one-on-one situations, missing the chance to seal the win before penalties.
In the shootout, it was Konlan’s heroics that proved decisive. Her two saves ensured a 4-2 shootout triumph, sending Ghana through to the last four of the competition.
Ghana will now face host nation Morocco—runners-up in the last edition—in a high-stakes semifinal clash on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, with kickoff set for 19:00 GMT.
This marks Ghana’s first WAFCON semifinal since 2016 and the first under Swedish coach Björkegren. The Black Queens will now aim to reach the final for the first time since 2006, as they chase a historic maiden WAFCON title.
