By: Kwame Bediako
Ghana’s Black Queens secured a place in the semi-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a thrilling penalty shootout victory against Algeria in Berkane on Saturday, July 19, 2025. The match ended 0-0 after regular and extra time, but Ghana’s goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan emerged as the hero by saving two penalties, helping the team to a 4-2 win from the spot and marking their first semi-final appearance in over a decade.
Ghana came close to taking the lead midway through the first half when Stella Nyamekye found the back of the net, only for the goal to be disallowed following a video assistant referee (VAR) review. Despite the setback, the Black Queens maintained their dominance thanks to constant attacking efforts from Doris Boaduwaa and Chantelle Hlorkah, who troubled the Algerian defense repeatedly.
In the second half, head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren made tactical changes, bringing on Evelyn Badu for Nyamekye and Princella Adubea for Princess Marfo to inject fresh energy into the team. Badu had a golden opportunity near the end of regulation time to clinch the game but miss-kicked the ball, sending the contest into extra time.
During extra time, Ghana started cautiously before pushing hard in the closing stages, creating two excellent chances through Boaduwaa, both of which she was unable to convert. With neither team scoring, the outcome was decided by penalties where Cynthia Konlan’s two crucial saves proved decisive, while her teammates held their nerve by converting their spot kicks.
The Black Queens now prepare to face tournament hosts Morocco in the semi-finals, with hopes high after breaking a decade-long drought from the latter stages of the competition. Their resilience and clutch goalkeeping underline Ghana’s determination to make a deep run at this year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
