The Black Queens’ dream run at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations came to a painful end on Monday night as they lost 4-2 on penalties to hosts Morocco after a pulsating 1-1 draw in Rabat.
Ghana had taken a deserved lead in the 27th minute through Stella Nyamekye, who reacted quickest to tap home after Josephine Bonsu’s header was parried.
The Black Queens had started brightly, pressing with purpose and creating several half-chances before Nyamekye’s opener.
But the hosts responded in the second half, pinning Ghana back and eventually finding the equaliser through Sakina Ouzraoui in the 54th minute after a defensive lapse.
From that point, the Atlas Lionesses dominated possession, but Ghana’s defensive line, led by goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan, stood tall; making crucial saves and last-ditch tackles to force the game into extra time.
Despite tired legs, Ghana carved out a golden chance late on in the 99th minute when Evelyn Badu met a loose ball inside the box, only to head over the bar with the goal gaping. It was a moment that would haunt the team, as penalties loomed.
In the shootout, Ghana missed two of their four attempts; Badu’s miss proving pivotal while Morocco converted all four to book their place in the final.
The defeat ends Ghana’s hopes of a first WAFCON final appearance since 1998, but there were plenty of positives from Lars Kim Björkegren’s side, who showed grit, cohesion, and promise throughout the tournament.
Morocco will now face Nigeria in the final, while the Black Queens head home with heads high and lessons learnt.
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