Bay FC forward Princess Marfo could not hide her emotions after the Black Queens of Ghana sealed a thrilling qualification to the quarter-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

It had been a nerve-wracking group stage for the Queens, managing just a single point from their first two games. All eyes were on them in a must-win final Group C clash against Tanzania. And when it mattered most, the team delivered a statement performance.

After a tense first half, Ghana roared back in the second period with an attacking masterclass. Marfo, a constant menace with her dazzling dribbles, won a crucial penalty that turned the tide. Princella Adubea had earlier opened the scoring before Alice Kusi calmly slotted home from the spot. The goals kept flowing, with Evelyn Badu and Chantelle-Boye Hlorkah adding their names to the scoresheet in a dominant display.

Following the game, Marfo summed up her emotions in a simple but powerful social media post: “Beautiful pain. Made it through group stage.”

Her words reflected the rollercoaster journey of the Black Queens, who now shift focus to a blockbuster quarter-final showdown against Algeria on Saturday at the Berkane Stadium.

Marfo’s electric form and attacking flair have been a bright spark for Ghana, and fans will be hoping she can weave more magic as the tournament reaches its decisive stages.