Ghana Black Queens have dramatically advanced to the semifinals of the 2024 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Algeria 4-2 in a penalty shootout following a goalless draw at the Stade Municipal de Berkane on Saturday afternoon.
The quarterfinal encounter proved to be a tactical chess match that stretched through 120 minutes of regular and extra time without either side finding the breakthrough.
Blistering heat in Berkane contributed to an uninspiring goalless draw, as both teams struggled to create clear-cut scoring opportunities in challenging conditions.
Algeria’s defensive resilience was particularly noteworthy throughout the tournament, as Ghana defeated Algeria 4-2 on penalties following an uninspired 0-0 draw in their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal, sending the Fennecs home despite not conceding a goal in the tournament.
This remarkable defensive record made their exit all the more heartbreaking for the North African nation.
The match’s defining moment came during the penalty shootout, where Ghana goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan emerged as the undisputed hero of the night.
Cynthia Konlan saves two penalties as Ghana beat Algeria 4-2 on penalties in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Her crucial interventions came at the most pressure-filled moments, as she denied both Marine Dafeur and Ines Belloumou from the penalty spot.
Konlan’s performance drew widespread praise from her teammates, with midfielder Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah describing it as “amazing”.
The goalkeeper’s composure under pressure proved decisive in Ghana’s progression, with Konlan’s brilliance between the posts proved decisive, with Ghana winning 4-2 on penalties to advance.
This victory represents a significant milestone for the Black Queens, as this marks Ghana’s return to the WAFCON semifinals for the first time since 2018.
The achievement underscores the progress made by the team under current management and their growing confidence on the continental stage.
Ghana’s semifinal opponents are already confirmed, with Ghana will now face host nation Morocco in the semifinals on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.
Kick-off is set for 19:00 GMT. This presents another significant challenge for the Black Queens, as they will face a Moroccan side buoyed by home support and their own impressive tournament run.
The contrast between the two teams’ journeys to this stage could not be starker. While Algeria’s tournament ended despite their remarkable defensive record, Ghana showed the mental fortitude and penalty-taking prowess needed to progress in knockout football.
The Black Queens’ ability to hold their nerve in the shootout demonstrates the character that could serve them well in their upcoming semifinal clash.
As Ghana prepares for their date with Morocco, they will draw confidence from Konlan’s heroics and their penalty conversion rate.
The Black Queens have positioned themselves just one victory away from the WAFCON final, marking a significant step forward in their continental ambitions and providing hope for Ghanaian women’s football on the biggest stage.
Story Written By Prince Asante Kwarteng | Kobby Kyei News
