Ghana’s Black Queens delivered a dominant second-half performance to seal a 4-1 victory over Tanzania, securing a spot in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The match was evenly poised at halftime, with the score tied 1-1. Ghana had taken an early lead when a clearance from Tanzania’s goalkeeper ricocheted off Princella Adubea and into the net, capping off a high-pressing start from the Queens.
However, the tempo dropped after the opener, allowing Tanzania to grow into the game. Cynthia Konlan made a crucial save to keep Ghana ahead, but Stumai Abdallah Athuman soon equalised for the East Africans. Alice Kusi had earlier struck the woodwork, while Princess Marfo and Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah also came close before the break.
Ghana regained momentum after halftime, with Princess Marfo instrumental in winning a penalty, which Alice Kusi calmly converted for her second goal of the tournament.
Adubea was forced off in the 76th minute due to injury, making way for Evelyn Badu, who made an instant impact by scoring from a rebound just 12 minutes later. Boye-Hlorkah rounded off the scoring with a stunning curler into the top corner, sealing a convincing win.
Ghana midfielder Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah has praised her teammates following the Black Queens’ emphatic qualification to the quarterfinals.
Speaking after the match, Boye-Hlorkah—who is making her WAFCON debut—expressed pride in the team’s resilience and unity.
“I am just proud, so proud of the girls. I try and lead. I am very vocal on the pitch. I try and push the team as much as I can. The girls picked me up, too,” she said.
“I told them that we are not going to win this game without playing as a team. I am so proud of Ghana, of the fans. I am so proud to be Ghanaian,” the England-born midfielder added.
The Black Queens now prepare to face Algeria on July 19 for a place in the semi-finals.
