Ghana round off Wafcon quarter-final line-up

Yahoo

6 hours ago

Alice Kusi and Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah were both on the scoresheet for Ghana against Tanzania [Backpage Pix]
Ghana secured their passage to the quarter-finals of the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations by beating Tanzania 4-1, while defending champions South Africa finished top of Group C after cruising to a 4-0 win over Mali.
The holders and the Malians were already assured of their spots in the knockout stages before kick-off in Oujda, but Banyana Banyana comprehensively outclassed the West Africans.
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Ghana's margin of victory, coupled with Mali's heavy defeat, means the Black Queens finish second in the table on goal difference and the Malians slip to third.
South Africa will stay in Oujda and face Senegal, the third-placed finisher in Group A, in the last eight while Ghana have set up a meeting with Algeria in Berkane.
Mali, meanwhile, face hosts Morocco in the capital Rabat.
Monday's results saw Botswana eliminated, with the Mares only able to progress as one of two best-ranked third-placed sides if the Ghana-Tanzania game had ended as a draw.
Banyana dominant in victory
After a lacklustre performance by South Africa in their 1-1 draw against Tanzania on Friday, goals from Lebogang Ramalepe, captain Refiloe Jane, Hildah Magaia and youngster Ronnel Donnelly earned Desiree Ellis's side a comfortable win over Mali.
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It took Banyana Banyana less than five minutes to take the lead as they capitalised on poor Mali defending before Jermaine Seoposenwe picked out Ramalepe and the veteran fired beyond Fatoumata Karentao.
Karentao was beaten for a second time after the half-hour mark by Jane's direct free-kick, and the Mali keeper, who was in visible pain towards the end of the first half, was substituted at the break.
Alima Cisse replaced her in the Female Eagles goal, and had to pick the ball out of the net in the 61st minute when Magaia slotted home to finish off a well-worked team move.
Donnelly, the youngest player in the South Africa squad, wrapped up the scoring in the 79th minute with a scuffed effort.
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After stuttering against Tanzania, Banyana Banyana's dominant win means the side once again look like they could be strong contenders to defend the title they won for the first time in 2022.
Ghana see off Tanzania
Meanwhile, Ghana and Tanzania met in Berkane, with both sides knowing that victory would secure qualification.
The Black Queens went ahead in the 12th minute when Princella Adubea charged down a clearance by the goalkeeper Najiati Idrisa before Stumai Athumani equalised for the East Africans four minutes before the break with a volley from a narrow angle.
Ghana were presented with a chance to regain their lead when Anastazia Katunzi scythed down Princess Marfo, and Alice Kusi's 63rd minute penalty squirmed under Idrisa to make it 2-1.
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That left Tanzania needing two goals to progress, and Ghana made the game safe through Evelyn Badu's close-range finish with three minutes remaining.
There was still time for London City Lionesses forward Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah to put the gloss on the scoreline in the final minute with a composed finish into the bottom right-hand corner.
Wafcon 2024 quarter-final fixtures
Friday
Nigeria v Zambia (Casablanca, 16:00 GMT)
Morocco v Mali, (Rabat 19:00 GMT)
Saturday
Algeria v Ghana (Berkane, 16:00 GMT)
South Africa v Senegal (Oujda, 19:00 GMT)
Semi-final draw
Morocco/Mali v Algeria/Ghana
Nigeria/Zambia v South Africa/Senegal