Ghana’s Black Queens saw their WAFCON 2024 dream cut short after a dramatic penalty shootout defeat to hosts Morocco in the semifinals. Following a tense 1-1 draw in regulation time, the Queens fell short in the spot-kick decider, ending their quest for a maiden continental title despite a valiant performance throughout the tournament.
Ghana lost 4-2 on penalties to Morocco in the semifinal of the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Both sides delivered an intense showdown on the pitch at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, each battling for the last ticket to the final against Nigeria. Ghana took a first-half lead through Stella Nyamekye in the 26th minute. Morocco, rattled, tried to respond through Chebbak and Mssoudy, but their efforts were to no avail.
Spurred on by their home crowd, Morocco drew level in the 55th minute through Sakina Ouzraoui Diki, who was perfectly positioned at the far post after a barrage of Moroccan attacks. The remainder of the match was marked by a fierce midfield battle and several injury stoppages, but neither side could regain the lead. In extra time, both teams continued to cancel each other out despite a handful of clear chances on both ends. The match would ultimately be decided by penalties. In the shootout, Morocco showed greater composure. Hanane Aït El Haj, Ibtissam Jraïdi, Kenza Chapelle, and Anissa Lahmari all converted their spot kicks, while goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi was the hero, saving a penalty from Comfort Yeboah while Evelyn Badu shot wide. Ghana will play holders South Africa in the third-place playoff, while host Morocco takes on record holders Nigeria in the final on Saturday, July 26, 2025.
