The Black Queens of Ghana and the reigning champions Banyana Banyana of South Africa had to work hard before securing their spots in the semi-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Thanks to incredible saves by Andile Dlamini, Banyana Banyana won 4-1 in the shootout after 120 minutes of tense, goalless play, guaranteeing a semi-final matchup with Nigeria.
From the opening whistle, the game was fiercely contested, with both teams creating chances but falling short.
Dlamini proved to be the hero in the ensuing penalty thriller, making two crucial stops to shift the tide decisively in South Africa’s favour, first by denying Nguenar Ndiaye and then by stopping Méta Kandé.
Bambanani Mbane, Tiisetso Makhubela, Gabriela Salgado, and Karabo Dhlamini all converted with accuracy and steely resolve.
With Mbane’s top-corner finish, South Africa won 4-1 in a shootout and advanced to a thrilling semifinal matchup with old rivals Nigeria.
In Saturday’s first game of the day, Ghana defeated Algeria 4-2 in a penalty shootout to advance to the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. This came after extra time ended in a goalless stalemate in Berkane.
Both teams displayed defensive tenacity in the tense and tactical quarterfinal match, but they were unable to make the breakthrough in the 120 minutes of play.
Stella Nyamekye’s goal midway through the first half gave Ghana the impression that they were ahead, but a VAR review declared the goal offside.
Ghana remained calm as the game got closer to penalties. In the shootout, Cynthia Konlan gave her side the advantage by saving the lives of Marine Dafeur and Inès Belloumou.
While Sofia Guellati and Laura Muller were successful for Algeria, Josephine Bonsu, Doris Boaduwaa, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, and Evelyn Badu all converted for Ghana.
Ghana advanced to the final four thanks to Konlan’s heroics, which secured a 4-2 victory on penalties.
Defending champions South Africa will play nine-time champions Nigeria in the tournament’s semi-final on Tuesday, July 22 followed by host Morocco who will play Ghana in the last semi final.
