Ghana’s dream of reaching the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) was dashed after a tense penalty shootout loss to host nation Morocco in the semi-finals.

Head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren stuck with the same starting line-up that had edged Algeria in a dramatic quarter-final shootout.

The Black Queens began the game on the front foot, silencing the home crowd with an energetic start.

Stella Nyamekye and Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah both came close early, forcing saves from Moroccan goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi.

Ghana’s persistence paid off when Nyamekye opened the scoring, reacting quickly to slot home a rebound after Er-Rmichi had saved a powerful header from Josephine Bonsu.

The Black Queens had chances to double their lead before halftime, but Doris Boaduwaa and Princess Marfo couldn’t capitalise.

At the other end, Susan Ama Duah produced a vital goal-line clearance to preserve Ghana’s 1-0 advantage at the break.

In the second half, Nyamekye nearly added a second for Ghana but was denied again.

Morocco responded strongly and drew level in the 55th minute through Sakina Ouzraoui, who seized on a defensive lapse to score the equaliser.

Despite mounting Moroccan pressure, the Black Queens held firm, pushing the match into extra time for a second consecutive round.

Neither side managed to find a breakthrough in the additional 30 minutes, setting the stage for another nerve-wracking penalty shootout.

Morocco converted all their spot-kicks with clinical precision, while Ghana’s Evelyn Badu and Comfort Yeboah missed their attempts, sealing a heartbreaking exit for the Black Queens.

Ghana will now shift focus to the third-place playoff, where they face South Africa on Friday, July 25, at the Stade Larbi Zaouli. Kick-off is set for 19:00 GMT.