Ghana’s Black Queens have booked a spot in the semi-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Algeria in a tense penalty shootout in Berkane on Saturday afternoon.
Goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan was the star of the shootout, pulling off two crucial saves to help the team reach the last four for the first time in nine years.
The Black Queens made a lively start and thought they had broken the deadlock midway through the first half when Stella Nyamekye found the net. However, the goal was ruled out after a VAR check.
Ghana continued to push for an opener, with Doris Boaduwaa and Chantelle Hlorkah both threatening the Algerian defence before the break. Coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren later brought on Evelyn Badu for Nyamekye and introduced Princella Adubea in place of Princess Marfo to add more energy to the attack.
Badu nearly snatched a late winner but failed to connect properly with a chance, sending the match into extra time. The Black Queens created two big chances in extra time, both falling to Boaduwaa, but she was unable to convert either.
In the shootout, Konlan’s heroics between the posts made the difference as Ghana triumphed 4-2 on penalties. The Black Queens will now face hosts Morocco in the semi-finals.
