Ghana’s Black Queens and defending champions South Africa have booked their places in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations semifinals after contrasting but equally dramatic quarter-final victories on Saturday.
In Berkane, it was heartbreak for Algeria and triumph for Ghana after a tense, goalless affair was settled on penalties. Ghana goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan emerged the heroine of the night, pulling off crucial saves from Marine Dafeur and Ines Belloumou in the shootout. Evelyn Badu held her nerve to bury the winning penalty and send the Black Queens into the last four.
The match had few clear chances, though Ghana were the more threatening side. Stella Nyamekye thought she had broken the deadlock with a thunderous strike in the 27th minute, only for VAR to rule it out for offside in the build-up. Badu, who would later become the shootout match-winner, missed a golden opportunity near the end of regulation time, failing to connect cleanly inside the box.
In extra time, both teams cancelled each other out in a war of attrition. Algeria’s Ghoutia Karchouni fired over from range, while Ghana’s Doris Boaduwaa had two promising moments snuffed out by determined defending from Chloe N’Gazi and Roselene Khezami.
Algeria, who exit the tournament without conceding a single goal in open play, can take pride in their defensive resilience. But it is Ghana who march on to Rabat.
Later at the Oujda Stadium, South Africa survived a stern test from Senegal, edging the West Africans 4–1 on penalties after a goalless draw in 120 minutes of hard-fought football.
It was a tense, balanced contest with both sides creating chances but lacking the final touch. South Africa’s Jermaine Seoposenwe, Hildah Magaia and Karabo Dhlamini all saw efforts denied by Senegalese keeper Adji Ndiaye, who delivered a stellar performance between the posts.
Senegal also had their moments, with Mama Diop and Nguenar Ndiaye going close, but Andile Dlamini in South Africa’s goal proved just as formidable. The reigning champions had a penalty appeal waved off by VAR late on, as the match trudged into a shootout.
There, Dlamini stood tall again, saving from Nguenar Ndiaye and Méta Kandé to swing the momentum in Banyana Banyana’s favour. Karabo Dhlamini, Tiisetso Makhubela, Gabriela Salgado, and Bambanani Mbane each converted coolly , Mbane sealing the win with a rocket into the top corner.
South Africa’s victory sets up a mouthwatering semifinal clash with Nigeria, their old rivals and nine-time champions, who earlier dismantled Zambia 5–0.
The final four are set and the stakes have never been higher.
Semi finals Matchups:
Tuesday 22 July 2025
19:00[EAT]: Nigeria Vs South Africa – Stade El Arbi Zaouli, Casablanca.
22:00 [EAT]: Morocco Vs Ghana – Stadium, Olympic Stadium ,Rabat.
