Ghana wins tense shootout as Algeria exits
Ghana will play host nation Morocco in the semi-finals at the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations after claiming a 4-2 penalty shootout win against Algeria in their quarter-final after a goalless 120 minutes.
Ghana had a goal disallowed after Stella Nyamekye blasted home from just inside the box in the 22nd minute, sparking wild celebrations that were eventually cut short by a narrow offside call from the video assistant referee.
Evelyn Badu had a golden opportunity to win it for the Black Queens in the 87th minute as well when the ball dropped to her inside the six yard box, but she completely missed the ball with her kick and it bounced away to safety much to the relief of Algeria.
Extra-time produced few opportunities of note as the heat exhausted the players further at Berkane Municipal Stadium, taking the contest to penalties in order to decide the winner.
Algeria's Marine Dafeur failed with the first kick of the shootout as Cynthia Konlan guessed right to make a good save.
Konlan saved again as Ines Belloumou failed with Algeria's third penalty. Laura Taleb Muller scored its fourth, But Evelyn Badu blasted home for Ghana's to make it 4-2 and seal the win for the Black Queens.
