Ghana Edge Algeria on Penalties, Book Semifinal Spot at WAFCON 2024

Emmanuel Oladele Saturday, July 19, 2025

In a tense quarter-final clash, Ghana’s Black Queens emerged victorious over Algeria in a 4–2 shootout win, following a goalless draw after extra time at the Stade Municipal. This triumph secures Ghana’s spot in their first WAFCON semi-final since 2016.

Match Flow: 120 Minutes of Tactical Stalemate

0–0 after Extra Time: Both teams demonstrated defensive discipline, resulting in a tightly contested match devoid of goals over the course of 120 minutes.

Disallowed Goal Incident: Ghana appeared to have taken the lead when Stella Nyamekye converted in the 27th minute, only for the VAR referee to rule the goal offside—the pivotal moment in a match with few clear scoring opportunities.

Penalty Heroics: Konlan’s Composure Defines Outcome

Ghana’s goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan emerged as the shootout hero, saving penalties from Marine Dafeur and Inès Belloumou, while Ghana converted all four of their attempts through Josephine Bonsu, Doris Boaduwaa, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, and Evelyn Badu.

The shootout corresponded to 4–2 in Ghana’s favor, propelling them into the WAFCON semi-finals.

Tactical Insights

Algeria’s defensive display: The Fennec Foxes had not conceded a goal throughout the tournament, showcasing tactical resilience anchored by goalkeeper Chloé N’Gazi, who was named Best Goalkeeper in the group stage.
Ghana’s attacking woes: Despite dominating possession and crafting key chances through Doris Boaduwaa, Evelyn Badu, and Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, Ghana were unable to break the Algerian backline until penalties—a challenge the Black Queens adapted to with composure.

What Lies Ahead

Semi-final setup: Ghana will now face hosts Morocco at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Tuesday, July 22, 20:00 WAT (19:00 GMT), in their quest to reach their first final since 2006.

Match Recap Table

Item	Details
Regulation Score	0–0
Extra-Time Result	0–0
Penalty Shootout	Ghana 4–2 Algeria
Heroic Saves	Cynthia Konlan (Ghana, 2 saves)
Disallowed Goal	Stella Nyamekye (Ghana, 27′, offside)
Next Opponent	Morocco in the semi-finals

Ghana’s dramatic quarter-final victory captures the essence of high-stakes knockout football—strength in defending, steadfast nerve in penalty drama, and belief under pressure. With momentum swinging their way, the Black Queens now turn their attention to a daunting semi-final clash against the tournament hosts. Their journey continues.