Ghana beat Algeria on penalties, advance to semis

DDM News

The Black Queens of Ghana have booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Algeria.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the highly competitive quarter-final match ended goalless after regulation and extra time, forcing a penalty decider at the tournament holding in Morocco.

Efforts by DDM correspondents to obtain more post-match insights from the Algerian camp were unsuccessful as players reportedly declined interviews following the painful exit.

Both Ghana and Algeria went into the match with determination, but neither side could break the deadlock during 120 minutes of intense action.

Ghana appeared to have taken the lead in the 27th minute through Stella Nyamekye.

However, celebrations were cut short when the goal was ruled out after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review confirmed an offside infringement in the buildup.

Despite dominating large stretches of the match, the Ghanaians were repeatedly denied by the brilliance of Algerian goalkeeper Chloé N’Gazi.

The keeper made critical saves from Doris Boaduwaa, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, and Evelyn Badu, keeping Algeria in the contest.

As the match moved to penalties, Ghana’s goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan became the hero of the day.

Konlan made two vital saves, stopping spot kicks from Marine Dafeur and Inès Belloumou, giving the Black Queens the edge they needed.

On the other end, Ghana showed composure and clinical finishing.

Josephine Bonsu, Doris Boaduwaa, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, and Evelyn Badu all converted their penalties with confidence.

Algeria managed to convert two through Sofia Guellati and Laura Muller, but it was not enough to stop the Ghanaians from advancing.

Ghana’s victory means they will face tournament hosts, the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco, in what promises to be a thrilling semi-final clash next week Wednesday.

WAFCON 2024, hosted by Morocco, has already witnessed surprising results and competitive matches, with the level of African women’s football continuing to rise.

The Black Queens, who are chasing their first continental title, will now aim to go one step further by overcoming the challenge posed by the host nation.

With this result, Ghana joins the shortlist of favourites remaining in the tournament, and hopes are high among supporters that the team can finally end their long wait for WAFCON glory.

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