Ghana booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of nations (WAFCON) after a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Algeria following a goalless draw in Berkane.
Black Queens goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan emerged the match-winner, producing crucial saves to deny Marine Dafeur and Ines Belloumou in the shootout.
Evelyn Badu then calmly slotted home the decisive spot-kick to spark wild celebrations among the Ghanaian players and fans.
The result sees Ghana progress to a last-four clash against tournament hosts Morocco in Rabat on Tuesday (19:00 GMT), after the Atlas Lionesses defeated Mali 3-1 in their quarter-final.
Ghana goalie Cynthia Konlan. Photo Credit: CAF
Despite the lack of goals over 120 minutes, it was the West Africans who looked more likely to score during a scrappy encounter where both sides struggled with final passes and finishing.
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Ghana thought they had taken the lead in the 27th minute when Stella Nyamekye fired home a superb strike, but the goal was ruled out for a marginal offside following a VAR review.
The best opportunity to settle the match in regulation time fell to Badu, who was unable to connect cleanly with a knock-down just eight yards from goal in the closing minutes of the second half.
Photo Credit: CAF
Extra time offered little in terms of attacking quality. Algeria’s Ghoutia Karchouni sent a long-range effort over the bar in the first period, while Ghana striker Doris Boaduwaa saw two late efforts thwarted by last-ditch defending from Chloe N’Gazi and Roselene Khezami.
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Algeria bows out of the tournament without having conceded a goal in open play, but the Black Queens’ resilience and composure under pressure have earned them a chance to reach their first Wafcon final since 1998.
