Ghana’s dream of a historic WAFCON final appearance was crushed on Tuesday night as the Black Queens lost 4-2 on penalties to host nation Morocco after an intense 1-1 draw in extra time.
In a semi-final filled with drama, grit, and emotion, both teams went toe-to-toe for 120 minutes, with neither side able to find a winner in regulation or extra time.
Ghana had taken an early lead through a well-taken strike, but Morocco responded with a spirited second-half equaliser, spurred on by a raucous home crowd.
When the final whistle blew, it came down to the lottery of penalties and it was the Lionesses of Morocco who held their nerve, converting four of their spot-kicks to the Black Queens’ two.
It was a painful end for the Ghanaians, who had fought their way to the semi-finals with impressive displays, including a dramatic penalty shootout win over Algeria in the quarter-finals.
Morocco will now face the Super Falcons of Nigeria in a much-anticipated final, while the Black Queens will take on South Africa in the third-place playoff, still with pride and a podium finish to fight for.
Ghana’s wait for a WAFCON title continues, but the journey of the Black Queens in this tournament has reignited belief in the nation’s women’s football.
