WAFCON:
Ghana Beat Algeria On Penalties To Pick Semi-final Ticket
By Yadnom Awu/ Asaba
The Black Queens of Ghana eked out a pulsating victory over Algeria in their tonight’s tie at the Women African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) holding in Morocco.
The Ghanaians beat the Foxes of Algeria by four goals to two in penalties, after the game ended goalless at regular and extra time.
The tie, the third quarter final engagement at the 2024 WAFCON, was exciting as both teams tried to get the vital goal early on kick-off.
But it was the Black Queens who appeared to have struck gold in the 28th minute , but the goal was disallowed for an offside infringement in the build up.
Thereafter, both teams strove in vain for the curtain raiser until the first stanza lapsed.
When play resumed, the situation remained the same, and despite frantic efforts, the barren scoreline remained until the end of the second half and the extra time of 30 minutes.
During the penalty shootout, Algeria lost their first kick when the Ghanaian safe hands held the spot kick by M. Darfeur.
The same fate befell the third kick by the Foxes as Beloumi’s spot kick was saved by the Ghanaian goal tender.
By the victory, Ghana face hosts, Morocco, in the semi- final duel.
Nigeria had picked the first semi- final ticket at the tournament after drubbing Zambia 5-0.
Morocco picked the second semi final ticket at the expense of Mali by three goals to one.
Nigeria will, in the semi- final, meet the winner of the fourth quarter- final game between defending Champion, South Africa, and West African challengers, Senegal.
That match was ongoing at press time.
