Black Queens fall to Morocco on penalties, miss WAFCON final

Ghana’s Black Queens were beaten 4-2 on penalties by hosts Morocco after a 1-1 draw through extra time, ending their hopes of reaching the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final for the first time since 2006.

Stella Nyamekye gave Ghana an early lead in the 26th minute, capitalizing on a rebound after Morocco’s goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi initially saved a Josephine Bonsu header.

Despite chances from Doris Boaduwaa and Princess Marfo, Ghana couldn’t extend their advantage before halftime.

Morocco responded in the second half through Sakina Ouzraoui, who leveled the score ten minutes after the break by beating Ghana’s goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan.

Both teams had opportunities in a tense, tightly-contested match but neither could break the deadlock through 120 minutes.

The outcome was decided in a penalty shootout, where Morocco converted all four of their spot kicks.

Ghana’s Evelyn Badu and Comfort Yeboah missed their attempts, handing the Atlas Lionesses the victory and a spot in the final.