by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 20, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana’s Black Queens are through to the semi-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after a nerve-racking penalty shootout victory over Algeria in Berkane on Saturday.
It was a dramatic afternoon where goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan stood tall, saving two spot-kicks to seal a 4-2 shootout triumph—sending Ghana to the last four of WAFCON for the first time since 2016.
The Queens started brightly and thought they had taken the lead in the first half through Stella Nyamekye, only for VAR to chalk it off. Undeterred, Ghana pressed on with Doris Boaduwaa and Chantelle Hlorkah troubling the Algerian backline.
Coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren made bold substitutions, bringing on Evelyn Badu and Princella Adubea to inject fresh legs into the attack. Badu came closest to a late winner but fluffed her chance, forcing the tie into extra time.
Ghana had two golden opportunities in extra time through Boaduwaa but couldn’t find the breakthrough. It all came down to penalties—where Konlan’s brilliance made the difference, guiding the Black Queens to a famous win.
Next up is a high-stakes showdown against tournament hosts Morocco in Rabat as the Queens continue their quest for continental glory.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 19, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
West Ham star Michail Antonio has revealed chilling details of the near-fatal Ferrari crash he survived last December — admitting he remembers absolutely nothing from the terrifying incident.
In a raw and emotional confession, Antonio explained how the world watched the aftermath while his own memory was completely blank.
> “What’s crazy is, the whole world saw the crash more than I did. I was in it, but I didn’t live it — I don’t remember the crash, the hospital, the operation… nothing.”
Antonio shared how his body still reacts to the trauma despite his mind blocking it out, and says the experience has shifted his entire perspective on life:
> “I’ve realised football is important, but your life and health are far more precious. That crash changed me.”
A sobering reminder from a footballer who walked away from a wreck that could have ended it all.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 19, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana’s Black Queens have written a thrilling new chapter at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations! With grit, class, and pure determination, they secured their place in the semi-finals after brushing aside their quarter-final opponents in style. From the first whistle to the last, it was a showcase of teamwork, hunger, and Ghanaian pride — the Queens are just one step away from glory!
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 19, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Nigeria’s Super Falcons booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a dominant 5-0 thrashing of Zambia’s Copper Queens at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca on Friday night.
From the first whistle, the Falcons took full control, delivering their best team performance of the tournament so far. Completesports.com’s Adeboye Amosu breaks down how each player fared in this emphatic quarter-final victory.
⭐ Starting XI Ratings
Chiamaka Nnadozie – 6/10
A quiet evening for Nigeria’s number one, barely tested as Zambia failed to register a single shot on target.
Michelle Alozie – 7/10
Rock-solid at right-back. Completely neutralised Zambian danger-woman Rachel Kundananji with her tenacity.
Osinachi Ohale – 7/10
Opened the scoring with a fine header and effectively kept Zambia captain Barbara Banda under wraps.
Tosin Demehin – 7/10
Commanding at the back, and capped her performance with a towering header for Nigeria’s fourth goal.
Ashleigh Plumptre – 7/10
Another solid display at left-back, combined strong defensive work with overlapping runs in attack.
Halimat Ayinde – 7/10
Shielded the defence superbly in midfield before making way in the second half.
Jennifer Echegini – 7/10
Showed her class in midfield with crisp passing and solid ball control before being subbed off late on.
Folashade Ijamilusi – 7/10
Marked her presence with her first-ever WAFCON goal in stoppage time and put in a hardworking shift.
Rasheedat Ajibade – 8/10
The captain’s best game so far — two assists and a Woman of the Match performance to lead by example.
Esther Okoronkwo – 8/10
Clinical and creative, she bagged her first goal of the tournament and added two assists to crown a stellar night.
Esther Ihezuo – 7/10
Showed her striker instincts, scoring her third of the tournament and constantly troubling the Zambian defence.
Substitutes
Shakirat Isah – 5/10
Brought fresh legs to the attack in the closing stages, helped maintain pressure.
Asisat Oshoala – 5/10
Looked lively after coming on but was denied a goal despite her efforts.
Deborah Abiodun – 5/10
Added energy and composure in midfield after replacing Ayinde.
Christy Ucheibe – 5/10
Helped solidify the midfield in the latter stages of the game.
With this crushing victory, the Super Falcons are brimming with confidence heading into the semi-finals, as they edge closer to a record-extending WAFCON title.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 19, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
Tournament hosts Morocco booked their spot in the semi-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after a commanding 3-1 victory over Mali on Friday night at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.
Led by Spanish coach Jorge Vilda, the Atlas Lionesses wasted no time asserting themselves in front of their home fans. Just seven minutes into the game, Morocco found the breakthrough when Sakina Ouzraoui’s delightful cross was calmly controlled and finished by Ibtissam Jraidi to give the hosts an early lead.
With a 1-0 advantage at halftime, Morocco kept their foot on the gas pedal after the restart. Their pressure paid off in the 77th minute when Kani Konte brought down Sanaa Mssoudy inside the box, earning Morocco a penalty. Jraidi made no mistake from the spot, bagging her brace and doubling the lead.
As Mali struggled to cope with Morocco’s attacking waves, Kenza Chapelle sealed the win in the 89th minute, making it 3-0 with a clinical strike shortly after coming off the bench.
Mali pushed for a response and were rewarded with a late consolation goal. Aissata Traore converted a stoppage-time penalty in the 97th minute, but it was too little too late as Morocco held on for a comfortable 3-1 victory.
With the win, Morocco advance to the semi-finals where they will face the winner of the Algeria vs Ghana quarter-final clash. The defeat spells the end of the road for Mali’s Female Eagles.
Full-time:
Morocco 3-1 Mali
Scorers: Jraidi (7’, 79’), Chapelle (89’) | Traore A. (90+7’, pen.)
