Ghana’s Black Queens rose to the occasion with a strong second half performance to convincingly beat Tanzania 4-1 and book a spot in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The Queens were held 1-1 at half time but scored three times in the second 45 minutes to reach the last eight and set up a clash against Algeria.
Ghana’s early pressure paid off after Tanzania’s goalkeeper’s clearance came off Princella Adubea and into the net for the opening goal of the game.
The goal came as a result of the Black Queens’ pressure in the opening minutes of the game.
However, after taking the lead, Ghana seemed to slow down, allowing Tanzania into the game.
Cynthia Konlan came to the rescue of Ghana after a brilliant attack from the opposition but she was on hand to make a good save with her trailing leg.
Shortly after, Alice Kusi came close to scoring Ghana’s second goal of the game, but her effort from the left side of the attack came off the woodwork.
Kim Lars Bjorkegren’s side were punished for their ineffectiveness in attack as Tanzania levelled things through Stumai Abdallah Athuman.
Princess Marfo and Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah could have restored the team’s lead, but their efforts were saved by the Tanzanian goalkeeper to keep the score at 1-1 at halftime.
Just like they had started in the first half, Ghana had a bright start, and everything came through the side of Princess Marfo.
Her involvement led to the Black Queens winning a penalty kick, which was converted by Alice Kusi for her second goal of the tournament.
Princella Adubea came off in the 76th minute after picking up a knock, with Evelyn Badu taking her place.
Evelyn needed only 12 minutes to get onto the scoresheet as she scored from a rebound to make it 3-1 and put the game to bed.
Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah put the icing on the cake with a brilliant curler into the top right bottom to make it 4-1.
Up next for the Queens is a clash against Algeria, slated for July 19 with spot for the semi-finals up for grabs.
Source: Lawrence Degraft Baidoo
