Black Queens thrash Tanzania 4-1 to book WAFCON 2024 Quarterfinal spot

This victory ensured Ghana's advancement to the quarter-finals for the first time since 2016, concluding their high-stakes encounter at the Stade Municipal de Berkane with an extraordinary display in the second half.

The Black Queens commenced the match with vigor, applying early pressure that yielded results in the 12th minute. A mishandled clearance from Tanzania's goalkeeper Najiat Abass Idrisa deflected off Princella Adubea and arched into the net, marking Ghana's first goal.

Although Ghana created additional opportunities and struck the crossbar through Alice Kusi, they were unable to increase their lead during the first half. Tanzania took advantage of a defensive error just before halftime, with Stumai Athumani finishing decisively from a narrow angle in the 41st minute, equalizing the match.

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In the second half, Ghana elevated their intensity. The pivotal moment arrived in the 63rd minute when Princess Marfo was fouled in the penalty area. Kusi approached the spot with confidence and successfully converted the penalty, restoring Ghana's lead and marking her second goal of the tournament.

Coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren's strategic substitutions proved to be crucial. Evelyn Badu, who entered as a substitute, scored in the 87th minute, and shortly thereafter, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah confirmed the victory with a skillfully executed finish minutes later.

Following the match, Bjorkegren conveyed his contentment regarding the team's qualification, marking the first occasion since 2016 that the Black Queens have advanced beyond the group stages.

“I believe a lot in the work we are doing and I believe in the girls. I said before the game we were going to win and qualify for the quarter-finals and we are now doing it. It’s a big achievement.

“Ghana didn’t qualify for the last tournament and the last time they played at the tournament they didn’t go past the group stage. So reaching the playoff is a big deal for us and we will take it game by game. It will be tough but right now I am just happy about the win,” he added.

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Ghana's path through Group C was anything but easy. The Black Queens started with a disappointing 2-0 loss to the defending champions, South Africa, followed by a frustrating 1-1 draw against Mali.

With only one point from two matches, Ghana found itself at the bottom of the group as it approached the final matchday. Nevertheless, a significant victory on the last day against Tanzania allowed Ghana's superior goal difference (+1 in comparison to Mali's -3) to secure second place in the group, thereby guaranteeing automatic qualification for the quarter-finals of the competition.

Ghana is set to face Algeria in the quarter-finals on Saturday, July 19, at the Stade Municipal de Berkane.