The Atlas Lionesses of Morocco edged previous Ghana’s Black Queens in a dramatic semi-final showdown on the 2024 Ladies’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), profitable 4-2 on penalties after a tense goalless attract regulation time.
The victory books Morocco a spot within the remaining in opposition to arch-rivals Nigeria’s Tremendous Falcons.
Black Queens took a 1-0 lead over hosts Morocco at halftime in a fiercely contested battle within the semi-final.
Black Queens dominated proceedings, dictating the tempo and showcasing superior organisation in opposition to a conservative Moroccan aspect.
The Atlas Lionesses of Morocco adopted a cautious strategy, counting on counterattacks to problem Ghana’s defence.
Nonetheless, the Black Queens’ resolute defending successfully neutralised Morocco’s runs, limiting their scoring alternatives.
Ghana had early probabilities to take the lead, with notable alternatives within the thirteenth and 14th minutes, however didn’t capitalise.
The breakthrough got here within the twenty seventh minute when Consolation Yeboah delivered a exact ball to Josephine Bonsu, whose header arrange Stella Nyamekye for a scientific end. Regardless of often overhitting passes, Ghana’s cohesive play has outshone Morocco’s efforts.
The Black Queens almost doubled their lead when Doris Boaduwaa’s effective cross, initiated by Boye-Hlorka, discovered Princess Marfo, however she was unable to transform.
Morocco mounted a harmful assault simply earlier than the halftime whistle, however Ghana’s steadfast defence thwarted the Atlas Lionesses’ try to equalise.
Black Queens almost doubled their lead early within the second half when Stella Nyamekye discovered herself in a major scoring place again from the recess.
Nonetheless, her effort sailed over the crossbar, lacking a golden alternative to increase Ghana’s benefit.
Morocco, the Atlas Lionesses, responded with a harmful attacking transfer, however Ghana’s goalkeeper, Cynthia Konlan, showcased her brilliance with a outstanding save to disclaim the hosts.
Regardless of Ghana’s defensive resilience, a lapse in focus within the fifty fifth minute allowed Morocco’s Sakina Ouzraoui to capitalise, levelling the rating at 1-1.
Each groups displayed sturdy defensive organisation within the latter levels, with neither aspect in a position to create vital scoring probabilities.
Morocco dominated possession however struggled to interrupt by Ghana’s resolute backline.
Regardless of their efforts, the match remained deadlocked, with each groups unable to seek out the decisive aim.
The sport ended 1-1.
After a dramatic additional time, each groups failed to attain and headed to a penalty shootout.
Sadly, the Black Queens fell brief however have the chance to battle Banyana Banyana of South Africa for the bronze medal.
