Black Queens through to WAfCON semi-finals after penalty shootout thriller against Algeria

Ghana’s Black Queens are through to the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after edging Algeria 4-2 in a tense penalty shootout on Saturday night.

The match ended 0-0 after extra time at the Berkane Municipal Stadium.

The highly anticipated quarter-final clash was a defensive masterclass from both sides.

Ghana dominated possession and created more chances, but Algeria remained compact and disciplined at the back.

Stella Nyamekye looked to have broken the deadlock in the first half, only for her goal to be ruled out for offside following a VAR check.

The Black Queens continued to press, with efforts from Doris Boaduwaa, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, and Evelyn Badu all thwarted by Algeria’s goalkeeper Chloé N’Gazi and a determined defensive line.

Algeria also had their moments, with Ghoutia Karchouni and Marine Dafeur testing Ghana’s defence, but goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan was equal to the task, producing key saves throughout.

With no winner after extra time, the match went to penalties — and it was Ghana who held their nerve.

Konlan emerged as the shootout hero, saving spot-kicks from Marine Dafeur and Inès Belloumou.

Ghana, on the other hand, was flawless from the spot, with Josephine Bonsu, Doris Boaduwaa, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, and Evelyn Badu all converting.

Sofia Guellati and Laura Muller scored for Algeria, but it wasn’t enough as Ghana sealed a 4-2 victory.

The win secures Ghana a spot in the semi-finals, where they will face host nation Morocco on Tuesday, 22 July.

With a place in the final on the line, the Black Queens will look to build on their momentum and continue their quest for continental glory.

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