Black Queens fall short in thrilling WAFCON SFs as Morocco advance on penalties

Ghana and Morocco played out a tense and closely-fought Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024 semi-final at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Tuesday, which saw the host country progress to the final.

The match ended 1-1 after extra time before Morocco triumphed 4-2 on penalties to book a spot in the final against Nigeria.

The Black Queens started strongly and dominated much of the first half. Their pressure yielded an opening goal in the 26th minute when striker Stella Nyamekye tapped in from close range after Josephine Bonsu’s header was savedonto the post.

Ghana continued to force the issue and had multiple opportunities to double their lead through Doris Boaduwaa, Princess Marfo and Nyamekye. Despite missing these chances, the Black Queens looked composed and controlled proceedings, but Morocco gradually grew into the game.

Just ten minutes into the second half, the hosts responded through winger Sakina Ouzraoui. Taking advantage of a lapse in concentration at the back, Ouzraoui controlled a looping deflected effort and slotted the ball past an onrushing Cynthia Konlan.

The home crowd came alive, galvanising their team for the remainder of the match as momentum shifted towards the North Africans.

Both sides then had multiple chances to find a winner, but despite sustained pressure on both ends, neither could break the deadlock through normal or extra time, setting the stage for a dramatic penalty shootout.

In the shootout, Morocco held their nerve with clinical precision, converting all four of their spot-kicks. Ghana, however, faltered when midfielder Evelyn Badu missed her third penalty by firing wide, and Comfort Yeboah saw her effort saved by Moroccan goalkeeper Khadija Errmichi.

Head coach of the Black Queens Kim Lars Bjorkegren expressed his disappointment as the Black Queens missed out on an elusive final.

“I think we were the better if you look at the statistics from the game. Our goal has always been in this group to win the gold and we can’t be closer to go the finals. Now I think we need to be disappointed, we need to cry a little bit.”

The result marks a milestone for Morocco, who will play in their second consecutive WAFCON final on home soil, aiming to secure their first-ever continental title and deny Nigeria an unprecedented 10th championship.

For Ghana, the defeat is heart-breaking after a determined display. The Black Queens, playing their first semi-final in nine years, continue their wait for a first-ever WAFCON title. However, Bjorkegren’s side will have a shot at the bronze medal when they face South Africa on Friday.

Owuraku AmpofoFlashscore