WAFCON 2024: Black Queens face crucial test
Ghana’s Black Queens are two matches away from continental glory – and so far, their bold 'Mission Redemption' campaign at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is well on course.
Tomorrow evening, however, the task becomes significantly tougher as they face tournament hosts Morocco in what promises to be a seismic semi-final clash in Rabat.
The Queens, chasing a return to the final for the first time since 2006, are up against a well-oiled Moroccan side backed by a raucous home crowd and brimming with confidence after recent continental and global strides.
Morocco’s recent rise has been nothing short of impressive. After finishing runners-up at the last WAFCON, the Atlas Lionesses made history by reaching the knockout stages in their debut appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Now, they’re looking to go one better on home soil.
By contrast, the Queens entered this tournament as underdogs, overlooked by many but quietly determined.
Though their performances have not always been free-flowing, they have shown grit, unity and tactical discipline – attributes that were on full display in their dramatic quarter-final victory over Algeria last Saturday.
Konlan the hrone
It took 120 minutes and a nerve-shredding penalty shootout to separate Ghana and a defensively resolute Algerian side, with the game locked at 0-0 after extra time.
Step forward goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan, who became an instant national hero with two crucial saves in the shootout, setting up a 4-2 victory from the spot.
Well-taken penalties by Josephine Bonsu, Doris Boaduwaa, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah and Evelyn Badu sealed Ghana’s semi-final spot and left the North Africans still waiting for their first semi-final in six WAFCON appearances.
Morocco, meanwhile, needed no such drama. They dispatched Mali 3-1 in regulation time, demonstrating both attacking flair and composure under pressure.
Familiar foes
Tomorrow’s encounter will be the seventh time Ghana have reached the WAFCON semi-finals.
Historically, facing host nations has not ended well for the Queens – they fell to South Africa (2000), and to Cameroon in both 2004 and 2016.
However, they reached the final in 1998, 2002 and 2006 and will be aiming to draw inspiration from those campaigns.
The Queens have already faced Morocco in a recent friendly – Coach Kim Björkegren’s debut match – which ended in a narrow 1-0 defeat thanks to a late Moroccan winner.
That experience, however, has provided valuable tactical insights ahead of the rematch.
“We know what to expect. Morocco are strong and organised, but so are we. This is our time to show growth,” said Coach Björkegren.
The Swede has instilled a renewed sense of belief in the camp, turning doubters into believers.
Ghana may not boast the same attacking firepower as their North African opponents, but their resilience, tactical structure and big-game temperament could prove vital.
Morocco’s strength lies in their speed on the flanks, fluid midfield movement, and the leadership of veteran players like Ghizlane Chebbak.
However, their defence has looked shaky at times – something the Queens may look to exploit on the counter-attack.
In midfield, the dynamic Evelyn Badu and industrious Portia Boakye will have their hands full, but their ability to break up play and launch quick transitions will be key.
Set-pieces could also be a decisive factor. With Ghana showing composure from the spot and Morocco prone to lapses in concentration late in matches, it might all come down to who holds their nerve in the final minutes.
Nigeria vs South Africa
In the other semi-final, it's a repeat of past classics as Nigeria's Super Falcons lock horns with South Africa’s Banyana Banyana.
South Africa, the defending champions, are yet to hit top gear.
They laboured past Senegal on penalties after a goalless draw. Nigeria, on the other hand, look formidable.
They crushed Zambia 5-0 in a ruthless display and appear to be peaking at the perfect time.
With Nigeria chasing a record-extending 12th title and South Africa keen to defend theirs, the stakes could not be higher.
