Morocco Survive Ghana Scare, Win Penalty Shootout to Reach Final
Rabat, Morocco | July 2025
Ghana’s dream of a first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final appearance since 2006 came to a painful end on Tuesday night as the Black Queens were edged 4-2 on penalties by tournament hosts Morocco in the semi-finals.
The dramatic clash at the Stade Olympique in Rabat saw Ghana take a deserved first-half lead through a well-taken goal by Stella Nyamekye. The midfielder finished off a clever corner routine involving Grace Asantewaa, Comfort Yeboah, and Josephine Bonsu to hand Ghana a 1-0 advantage at the break.
The Black Queens dominated early proceedings, with Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah and Nyamekye both testing Morocco goalkeeper Khadija Er-rmichi. However, missed chances would come back to haunt Ghana.
Morocco emerged stronger in the second half, and their pressure paid off in the 55th minute when Comfort Yeboah’s defensive lapse allowed Sakina Ouzraoui to fire home the equalizer. The Atlas Lionesses nearly snatched a late winner through captain Ghizlane Chebbak, but Ghana’s keeper Susan Duah kept the score level to force extra time.
Despite fresh energy from substitutes like Alice Kusi and Evelyn Badu, the Black Queens couldn’t find a breakthrough. The game was ultimately decided from the penalty spot, where Ghana faltered. Misses from Badu and Yeboah proved costly, while Morocco converted with clinical precision to seal a 4-2 shootout win.
The defeat ends Ghana’s WAFCON 2024 campaign, despite a spirited run that included a memorable penalty shootout triumph over Algeria in the quarter-finals. The result also marks Morocco’s second consecutive appearance in the tournament final, as they continue their quest for a maiden WAFCON title on home soil.
For Ghana, it’s a heartbreaking conclusion to a promising campaign, but also a signal of renewed potential as the team looks ahead to future continental and global competitions.
