The Ghana Black Queens booked their place in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Algeria, following a goalless draw after extra time at Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca.
The highly anticipated quarter-final clash proved to be a tense, tactical battle, with both teams showcasing defensive discipline but unable to break the deadlock over 120 minutes.
Ghana thought they had taken the lead midway through the first half when Stella Nyamekye found the net, only for the goal to be disallowed after a VAR review confirmed an offside.
Despite several promising efforts from Doris Boaduwaa, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, and Evelyn Badu, the Black Queens were repeatedly denied by a resilient Algerian defense and an inspired performance from goalkeeper Chloé N’Gazi.
Algeria, playing with grit and determination, also created scoring opportunities—particularly through Ghoutia Karchouni and Marine Dafeur—but Ghana’s shot-stopper Cynthia Konlan remained solid, producing key saves throughout both regular and extra time.
With the match going to penalties, Ghana held their nerve. Cynthia Konlan emerged as the hero of the shootout, saving spot-kicks from Marine Dafeur and Inès Belloumou to give her side the edge.
Josephine Bonsu, Doris Boaduwaa, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, and Evelyn Badu all converted their penalties for Ghana, while Sofia Guellati and Laura Muller scored for Algeria. Konlan’s heroics secured a 4-2 win on penalties and sent Ghana into the final four.
The Black Queens will now face the winner of the Nigeria vs. South Africa quarter-final in what promises to be another electrifying encounter as they continue their pursuit of continental glory.