Black Queens Bow Out of WAFCON 2024 After Penalty Shootout Defeat to Morocco
Ghana’s hopes of reaching their first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final since 2006 were dashed on Tuesday night following a heartbreaking 4-2 penalty shootout defeat to host nation Morocco in the semifinals.
The Black Queens took the lead in the first half through Stella Nyamekye, but a second-half equaliser from Sakina Ouzraoui forced the game into extra time. In the ensuing penalty shootout, Evelyn Badu and Comfort Yeboah missed their spot kicks, allowing Morocco to progress to the final.
Ghana started the match on the front foot, dominating the early exchanges. Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah tested the Moroccan goalkeeper from inside the box, but Khadija Er-Rmichi made a solid save. Soon after, Doris Boaduwaa troubled the Moroccan defence but fired wide.
The breakthrough came midway through the first half. After Nyamekye’s initial corner was cleared, Grace Asantewaa collected the ball and found Yeboah on the right flank. The Ampem Darkoa defender sent in a cross that met Josephine Bonsu’s header, which struck the post before Nyamekye bundled the rebound over the line.
The Moroccans came out with renewed energy after the break, piling pressure on the Ghanaian defence. Their persistence paid off in the 55th minute after a defensive lapse by Yeboah allowed Ouzraoui to pounce and level the score.
The hosts continued to threaten, and Ghizlane Chebbak nearly put Morocco ahead late in regulation time, but a brilliant intervention by Susan Duah preserved the 1-1 scoreline and forced extra time.
In the second half of extra time, Ghana had a golden opportunity to reclaim the lead when Asantewaa delivered a dangerous corner. The ball sailed through the Moroccan defence and found Alice Kusi at the far post, but her effort lacked the needed power.
Moments later, Badu had another chance after Er-Rmichi’s punch sent the ball into her path, but the midfielder failed to direct her header on target.
With neither side able to find a winner, the match was decided by penalties. Unfortunately for Ghana, Badu and Yeboah missed their kicks, sealing a dramatic victory for Morocco, who advance to the WAFCON 2024 final.
