Ghana’s dream of reaching the WAFCON final for the first time in over two decades came to a painful end as they fell 4-2 to hosts Morocco in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout after a thrilling 1-1 draw in regulation time.

The Black Queens looked determined from the start, with Stella Nyamekye capping off a vibrant first-half display by pouncing on a rebound to give Ghana the lead. Josephine Bonsu’s header had crashed off the post, and Nyamekye was quickest to react, burying the loose ball to send Ghanaian fans into raptures.

Despite several first-half chances to double their advantage, Ghana couldn’t convert, and Morocco came back stronger in the second half. A defensive lapse from Comfort Yeboah gifted Sakina Ouzraoui a chance she didn’t waste, levelling the tie in the 55th minute.

Both sides pushed for a winner, with Ghana going close through Alice Kusi and Evelyn Badu in extra time. But with no breakthrough after 120 minutes, penalties loomed large.

In the shootout, Morocco held their nerve while Ghana faltered. Misses from Evelyn Badu and Comfort Yeboah sealed the Queens’ fate, as Morocco netted four of their five spot-kicks to secure their place in the final.

Despite the heartbreak, Ghana’s campaign was full of spirit, growth, and resilience — signs that the Black Queens are once again rising on the continental stage.