Black Queens is not lacking in the semi-finals of Wafcon while Morocco is advancing on the penalties

Ghana and Morocco have played a semi-final of the Cup of African Nations (Wafcon) 2024 tense at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, which saw the host country go to the final.

The match ended 1-1 after more time before Morocco triumphs for 4-2 on penalties to reserve a place in the final against Nigeria.

The Black Queens started strongly and dominated a large part of the first half. Their pressure gave an opening goal in the 26th minute when striker Stella Nyamekye typed at close range after the head of Joséphine Bonsu was saved the post.

Ghana continued to force the problem and had several opportunities to double their advance by Doris Boaduwaa, Princess Marfo and Nyamekye. Despite these chances, the Black Queens seemed to be composed and controlled procedures, but Morocco has gradually grew up in the game.

Barely ten minutes after the start of the second half, the hosts responded to the winger Sakina Ouzraoui. Taking advantage of a rear concentration time, Ouzraoui checked a deflected effort in a loop and exceeded the ball in front of a Cynthia Konlan.

The home crowd came to life, galvanizing its team for the rest of the match while the momentum moved to the North Africans.

The two parties then had several chance of finding a winner, but despite a sustained pressure at both ends, none could break the dead end for a normal or additional period, preparing the ground for a dramatic penalty shootout.

During the shooting, Morocco held its nerve with clinical precision, converting their four kicks. Ghana, however, failed when midfielder Evelyn Badu missed his third penalty by firing largely, and comfort Yeboah saw his efforts saved by Moroccan goalkeeper Khadija Errmichi.

The Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren expressed his disappointment while the Black Queens missed an elusive final.

“I think we were better if you watch the game statistics. Our goal has always been in this group to win gold and we cannot be closer to go to the final. Now, I think we have to be disappointed, we have to cry a little.”

The result marks an important step for Morocco, which will play in its second consecutive Wafcon final on home at home, aimed at securing its very first continental title and refusing Nigeria an unprecedented 10th championship.

For Ghana, defeat is heartbreaking after a determined display. The Black Queens, playing their first semi-final in nine years, continue their expectations for a very first Wafcon title. However, the Bjorkegren team will have a shot to the bronze medal when they face South Africa on Friday.