Ghana and Morocco played a tense and closely fought ladies Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) 2024 Semi-Final in the Olympic Stadium in Rabat in Rabat, who saw the host country progressing to the final.
The match ended 1-1 after extra time before Morocco triumphed 4-2 on penalties to book a place in the final against Nigeria.
The black queens started strong and dominated a large part of the first half. Their pressure yielded an opening goal in the 26th minute when striker Stella Nyameekye tapped up close after the header of Josephine Bonsu was stored.
Ghana continued to force the issue and had several possibilities to double their leadership by Doris Boaduwaa, Princess Marfo and Nyamekye. Despite the missing of these opportunities, the Black Queens saw compiled and controlled procedures, but Morocco gradually grew in the game.
Only ten minutes in the second half did the hosts responded through winger Sakina Ouzraoui. Expanding a decline in concentration at the back, Ouzraoui checked a bent attempt from the loop and threw the ball past an attacking Cynthia Konlan.
The home crowd came to life, galvanizing their team for the rest of the game when the momentum shifted to the North Africans.
Both parties then had several chances to find a winner, but despite persistent pressure on both ends, neither could break the impasse through the normal or extra time, which set the stage for a dramatic penalty shootout.
In the shootout, Morocco held their nerve with clinical precision and all four of their spot kicks converted. Ghana, however, faltered when midfielder Evelyn Badu missed her third penalty by shooting wide, and comfort Yeboah saw her efforts saved by Moroccan goalkeeper Khadija Errmichi.
Head coach of the Black Queens Kim Lars Bjorkegren expressed his disappointment while the Black Queens missed an elusive final.
“I think we were better if you look at the statistics of the game. Our goal has always been in this group to win the gold and we can't be closer to the final. Now I think we should be disappointed, we have to cry a little.”
The result marks a milestone for Morocco, who will play on a home floor in their second consecutive Wafcon final, aimed at securing their very first continental title and Nigeria to refuse an unprecedented 10th championship.
For Ghana, the defeat is heartbreaking after a determined display. The Black Queens, who play their first semifinal in nine years, continue to wait for a very first Wafcon title. However, the side of Bjorkegren will get a chance on the bronze medal if they are opposed to South Africa on Friday.
Owuraku Ampofoflash score