Ghana’s Black Queens may have missed out on a spot in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), but their semi-final showdown against Morocco will be remembered as a display of courage, grit, and pride.
Despite falling short in a tense penalty shootout, the Queens matched the host nation stride for stride in a game that showcased the resurgence of Ghanaian women’s football on the continental stage.
Head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren once again placed his trust in the side that overcame Algeria in the quarter-finals, and the team responded with a spirited first-half performance that stunned the home fans in Rabat.
From the first whistle, Ghana looked the more composed and determined side. Midfielder Stella Nyamekye, one of the tournament’s breakout stars, was at the heart of Ghana’s early dominance. After testing Morocco’s veteran goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi with an early strike, Nyamekye finally found the net—reacting quickest to tuck in a rebound after a strong header from Josephine Bonsu was parried.
The Black Queens continued to threaten, with Doris Boaduwaa and Princess Marfo both coming close to doubling the lead. Meanwhile, at the back, Susan Ama Duah delivered a crucial clearance off the line to preserve Ghana’s slim advantage heading into halftime.
But Morocco regrouped and fought back after the break. Capitalising on a rare defensive lapse, Sakina Ouzraoui levelled the score in the 55th minute, bringing the home crowd to life and shifting the momentum.
The remainder of regulation time saw both teams trade attacking blows, with Ghana fending off waves of Moroccan pressure thanks to composed defending and key saves.
For the second time in as many rounds, the Black Queens were forced into extra time. Yet again, they stood firm, refusing to concede under relentless pressure from the hosts. Despite cramping legs and exhausted lungs, the team kept their discipline and shape—taking the game to the dreaded penalty shootout.
Morocco converted all their penalties with clinical accuracy. Unfortunately for Ghana, misses from Evelyn Badu and Comfort Yeboah proved costly, handing the Atlas Lionesses a 4-2 win in the shootout and a place in the final.
While the result may sting, the Black Queens walk away from the tournament with heads held high. Their performances—marked by tactical discipline, technical flair, and unwavering spirit—have restored belief in the potential of Ghana’s women’s football.
Coach Bjorkegren praised his players for their bravery and heart, describing the journey as “a turning point” for the team.
“This is not the end—this is the beginning of something special,” he said after the match.
As the dust settles on WAFCON 2024, Ghana may be out of the title race, but the message is clear: the Black Queens are back, and the rest of Africa should take notice.
