Ghana edges Algeria in penalty drama, reaches WAFCON semi-final
Ghana secured their place in the semi-finals of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Algeria, following a goalless draw after extra time in Berkane.
The highly anticipated quarter-final clash was a tense and tactical affair, with both sides showing defensive resilience but unable to find the breakthrough in 120 minutes of play.
Ghana thought they had taken the lead midway through the first half when Stella Nyamekye found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR review.
Despite several efforts from the likes of Doris Boaduwaa, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, and Evelyn Badu, the Black Queens were denied by a spirited Algerian backline and goalkeeper Chloé N’Gazi.
Algeria, playing with determination and energy, also created chances, particularly through Ghoutia Karchouni and Marine Dafeur, but Cynthia Konlan in Ghana’s goal stood firm, making crucial saves during regular time and extra time.
With the match heading to penalties, it was Ghana who held their nerve from the spot. Cynthia Konlan emerged as the hero, saving efforts from Marine Dafeur and Inès Belloumou to give her side the edge in the shootout.
Josephine Bonsu, Doris Boaduwaa, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, and Evelyn Badu all converted for Ghana, while Sofia Guellati and Laura Muller were successful for Algeria. Konlan’s heroics ensured a 4-2 win on penalties and booked Ghana a place in the final four.
Midfielder Grace Asantewaa who was adjudged the woman of the match expressed her delight at helping the team qualify to the semis.
“I am very, very, very happy. I have been preparing for this. Ghanaians have been preparing for this. We had to kill ourselves. It is time for us to win this WAFCON. And also, as an individual I want to win this WAFCON. I want my name to be in the history books in Ghana, in Africa and the world. I am very happy, and I know that Ghanaians are happy,” Asantewaa stated after the game.
“We have done a very good job. We are going to the semifinals. We are not ending here. We are taking this mentality to the semifinals. I know for sure that we are going to win the trophy,” she added.
Ghana have now reached their seventh WAFCON semifinal and will meet hosts, Morocco, at the grandeur Olympic Stadium in the capital Rabat on tomorrow, July 22.-CAF
