
Ghana’s Black Queens have advanced to the semi-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a tense penalty shootout victory over Algeria on Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Berkane, Morocco.
The dramatic encounter ended goalless after extra time, with goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan emerging as the star of the match. Her two crucial saves in the penalty shootout sealed a 4-2 win for Ghana, sending the team into the last four for the first time since 2016.
The Black Queens started the match on a strong note, asserting early dominance and creating chances. Midfielder Stella Nyamekye thought she had put Ghana ahead midway through the first half, but her goal was disallowed following a VAR review.
Despite the setback, the team maintained their attacking momentum, with Doris Boaduwaa and Chantelle Hlorkah both testing the Algerian goalkeeper before the break.
Head coach Kim Lars Björkegren made key tactical adjustments in the second half, bringing on Evelyn Badu and later Princella Adubea in search of a breakthrough. Badu nearly scored a late winner but missed a clear opportunity, forcing the match into extra time.
In the extra period, Ghana remained the more threatening side, with Boaduwaa twice going one-on-one with the goalkeeper but failing to convert. The match eventually headed to penalties, where Cynthia Konlan’s heroics made the difference.
The Black Queens will now face host nation Morocco in the semi-final on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat. Kickoff is scheduled for 19:00 GMT.
With this result, the team continues their impressive run under Swedish manager Kim Lars Björkegren and now aims to reach their first WAFCON final since 2006.
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