A Crushing Semifinal Exit
Ghana’s Black Queens endured a heartbreaking semifinal exit at the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), losing 4-2 on penalties to tournament hosts Morocco. After battling to a 1-1 draw through regulation and extra time, the tie was settled in a dramatic shootout that saw Ghana fall short.
Jennifer Cudjoe Speaks on the Defeat
Midfielder Jennifer Cudjoe, who played the full 120 minutes alongside Grace Asantewaa, opened up about the emotional toll of the loss. “This really hurts,” she said after the match. “We gave everything out there. I believe we deserved to reach the final.” Despite the disappointment, she expressed pride in how the team fought until the very end.
Missed Chances Proved Costly
Ghana looked sharp for much of the game, dominating the first half and creating several clear chances in the second. However, they failed to make those moments count. “We had our chances but couldn’t finish them,” Cudjoe admitted. “That’s how football can be—cruel sometimes.”
Learning from Victory and Defeat
Just days earlier, Ghana had triumphed in a tense penalty shootout against Algeria in the quarterfinals, a result that gave the team confidence heading into the semifinals. Cudjoe noted the contrast in emotions. “Beating Algeria lifted our spirits, but this one cuts deep,” she said. “Still, we move forward with hope.”
Eyes on Bronze
The Black Queens now shift focus to the third-place playoff, where they will face South Africa on Friday, July 25 at 19:00 GMT. Cudjoe remains optimistic: “We still have one more game. It’s not over. We want to win a medal for Ghana.”
Morocco and Nigeria Clash in the Final
Meanwhile, Morocco advances to the final where they’ll meet Nigeria on Saturday, July 26 at 20:00 GMT, in what promises to be a thrilling end to the tournament.
Despite the pain of defeat, Black Queens’ Jennifer Cudjoe and her teammates have shown growth, determination, and continental competitiveness. Their journey in the 2024 AFCON reflects a team on the rise—and a future filled with promise.
For more details and updates, visit the original article on Citi Sports Online.
