Ghana’s dream of reaching the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final was dashed after a dramatic penalty shootout loss to hosts Morocco on Tuesday night.
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The Black Queens, under head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren, named an unchanged starting lineup from their previous win against Algeria.
Ghana started the game strongly, with early pressure yielding a goal from Stella Nyamekye, who struck home after Moroccan goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi parried a header from Josephine Bonsu.
Despite several chances to extend their lead through Doris Boaduwaa and Princess Marfo, Ghana went into halftime with a narrow 1-0 advantage, thanks in part to a goal-line clearance by Susan Ama Duah.
Morocco equalized in the 55th minute through Sakina Ouzraoui, capitalizing on a loose ball in the box.
Although Ghana’s goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan made key saves to keep the score level, the game stretched into extra time and eventually to penalties after both sides failed to break the deadlock.
Morocco converted all their spot-kicks, while misses by Evelyn Badu and Comfort Yeboah sealed Ghana’s fate, ending their bid for a first WAFCON final since 2006.
The Black Queens will now face South Africa in the third-place playoff on Friday, July 25, at the Stade Larbi Zaouli. Kick-off is at 19:00 GMT.
