Ghana’s Black Queens are one step away from rewriting history as they gear up for a highly anticipated semifinal clash against host nation Morocco at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The journey to this stage has been long and hard-fought. The last time the Queens reached the semifinals was in 2016, when they narrowly lost 1-0 to Cameroon at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium, ultimately missing out on a spot in the final. They were left to contest the third-place playoff against South Africa.
Now, in 2024, the Queens have clawed their way back among Africa’s elite. For the first time in 18 years, Ghana stands on the brink of a WAFCON final. Alongside defending champions South Africa, record-holders Nigeria, and tournament hosts Morocco, the Black Queens have proven that they belong on the big stage once again.
With a place in the final, and a chance at a maiden continental title—on the line, Ghana faces two possible outcomes: shocking the host nation to reach their first-ever final or, at minimum, battling for a podium finish.
The clash will take place at Rabat’s 21,000-capacity Olympic Stadium, where the Queens must face not only a formidable Moroccan side but also the roar of a partisan home crowd rallying behind the Atlas Lionesses.
Ghana’s road to the semifinals has been anything but smooth. The team opened their campaign with a loss to South Africa, followed by a draw against Mali. However, a commanding 4-1 victory over Tanzania reignited their hopes, and a nerve-wracking penalty shootout win over Algeria in the quarterfinals sealed their place in the last four.
While the team’s resilience and fighting spirit have been central to their campaign, defensive vulnerabilities remain a concern. The backline—featuring Comfort Yeboah, Susan Ama Dua, Portia Boakye, and Josephine Boakye—will need to be at their absolute best to contain Morocco’s dynamic attack.
The hosts are led by prolific captain Ghizlane Chebbak, who has already netted four goals in the tournament. Supporting her are top talents like Ibtissam Jraïdi (Al Ahli), Yasmin-Katie M’rabet (Valencia), Fatima Zahra Tagnaout, and Sanaâ Mssoudy. Together, Morocco’s front line has produced 10 goals in four matches, showcasing their devastating potential.
Despite being the underdogs, the Black Queens have found new strength. Chantelle Boye has brought creativity to the attack, Grace Asantewaa has commanded the midfield with poise, Comfort Yeboah has anchored the defense, and goalkeeper Cynthia Findib Konlan has come up with crucial saves when it mattered most.
As the sun sets over Rabat, a thrilling encounter awaits—one that could forge legacies, test belief, and potentially usher in a new era for women’s football in Ghana. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the Queens are ready to rise to the challenge.
