Ghana’s senior women’s national team, the Black Queens, delivered a thrilling 4-1 win over Tanzania in their final Group C clash at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), securing a historic quarter-final berth for the first time in eight years.
The must-win encounter, held at the Stade Municipal de Berkane, saw the Black Queens come from a shaky group start to finish second in the table edging out Mali on goal difference to book a place in the last eight of the competition.
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Ghana’s First WAFCON Quarter-Final Since 2016
Heading into the game with just one point from their first two matches, Ghana’s chances of progressing to the WAFCON 2024 quarter-finals looked slim. A 2-0 defeat to South Africa and a 1-1 draw with Mali left the Black Queens at the bottom of Group C. But with everything to play for in their final match against Tanzania, Ghana rose to the occasion.
Princella Adubea Opens Scoring After Early Pressure
The Black Queens came out strong, pressing high and controlling possession. Their early dominance paid off in the 12th minute when a poor clearance from Tanzania’s goalkeeper, Najiat Abass Idrisa, rebounded off Princella Adubea and looped into the net handing Ghana a vital lead.
Ghana continued to push forward with intensity and nearly doubled their advantage when Alice Kusi struck the crossbar. But despite several chances, the Queens couldn’t find a second goal in the first half.
Tanzania Equalises, But Ghana Turns Up the Heat
Just before the halftime whistle, Stumai Athumani capitalised on a defensive lapse by Ghana and slotted in from a tight angle in the 41st minute to make it 1-1 a scoreline that increased the pressure going into the break.
But the second half was a different story. Ghana came back re-energised and found a breakthrough in the 63rd minute when Princess Marfo was fouled inside the box. Alice Kusi stepped up and coolly converted the penalty her second goal of the tournament to restore Ghana’s lead.
Super Substitutes Badu and Boye-Hlorkah Seal the Win
Head coach Kim Lars Björkegren made timely substitutions that turned the game completely in Ghana’s favour. Substitute Evelyn Badu made an instant impact, scoring in the 87th minute to make it 3-1. Moments later, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah added a fourth with a composed finish to complete the 4-1 rout.
Coach Björkegren: “A Big Achievement for Ghana”
Speaking after the match, Coach Björkegren expressed pride in his players and the milestone reached.
“I believe a lot in the work we are doing and I believe in the girls. I said before the game we were going to win and qualify for the quarter-finals and we are now doing it. It’s a big achievement,” he said.
He also emphasized how far the team has come:
“Ghana didn’t qualify for the last tournament and the last time they played, they didn’t make it past the group stage. So reaching the playoff is a big deal for us. We’ll take it game by game it will be tough, but right now I am just happy about the win.”
Ghana to Face Algeria in Quarter-Finals
With a superior goal difference of +1 compared to Mali’s -3, the Black Queens clinched second place in Group C and automatic qualification to the knockout stage of WAFCON 2024.
Ghana is now set to face Algeria in the quarter-finals on Saturday, July 19, 2025, again at the Stade Municipal de Berkane. This crucial fixture offers the Black Queens an opportunity to push further toward the finals and potentially win their first-ever WAFCON title.
Highlights
- Ghana beat Tanzania 4-1 in their final WAFCON 2024 Group C match.
- The Black Queens qualify for the quarter-finals for the first time since 2016.
- Alice Kusi, Evelyn Badu, and Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah were among the goal scorers.
- Ghana will now face Algeria on July 19 in the quarter-finals.
Stay updated on all WAFCON 2024 news, scores, and analysis right here on xorlali.com your trusted source for African women’s football updates.
