Ghana’s Black Queens defied the odds to secure a spot in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, a remarkable achievement considering their near-elimination in the group stage.
The team’s resilience and tactical discipline were evident in their crucial 3-1 victory over Tanzania, a match that demonstrated the vital importance of one player: Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah.
Boye-Hlorkah, a versatile midfielder, played an instrumental role throughout the tournament, showcasing her adaptability and technical prowess.
She featured in multiple positions across the three group stage matches, contributing both in defence and attack. From the wings to the central midfield, her presence was pivotal to Coach Kim Björkegren’s tactical setup. Her ability to seamlessly transition between different roles within the squad proved crucial to Ghana’s progression.
“I’m happy to have been able to play in several positions during this tournament,” Boye-Hlorkah remarked after Ghana’s win over Tanzania, acknowledging the tactical flexibility that she had brought to the team.
Against Tanzania, Boye-Hlorkah was more than just a midfielder; she took on a deeper, more central role that allowed her to dictate the tempo of the game. Her calmness under pressure, coupled with her astute tactical awareness, allowed her to thrive in a key area of the pitch.
“I was in a role that was natural for me. I love playing on the wing, but I love being at the heart of the game even more,” she said, referring to her comfort in the central midfield position.
Boye-Hlorkah’s ability to read the game, combined with her smooth technical skills, allowed her to orchestrate Ghana’s attacks with composure and precision.
In what was arguably her best performance of the tournament, she not only set the pace but also elevated her teammates’ play by connecting the midfield to the forward line.
Her consistent, measured interventions allowed Ghana to control possession and dominate the match against Tanzania.
But it wasn’t just her technical abilities that stood out; Boye-Hlorkah’s leadership and team-first mentality were equally important.
“I’m proud of the girls. I try to push them, but tonight, it was they who carried me,” she reflected after the match.
Boye-Hlorkah’s humility was on full display when she acknowledged the collective effort of the team, emphasizing the importance of teamwork over individual brilliance.
“I told them before the match that we won’t win if we don’t play as a team,” she added.
Boye-Hlorkah capped off her stellar performance with a goal late in the game, further cementing her status as one of Ghana’s key players.
Her strike not only secured the win but also earned her the well-deserved recognition as the match’s best player.
Her contribution was a fitting end to a match that had already demonstrated her immense value to the team.
With the victory, Ghana secured a spot in the quarter-finals of the tournament, marking their first appearance in this stage since 2016.
Boye-Hlorkah’s role in the team’s success cannot be overstated, and her performances will be vital as the Black Queens look to push further in the competition.
Ghana’s aspirations of winning a first continental title since 2018 are now very much alive, and Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah will undoubtedly be at the heart of their quest for glory.
As the tournament progresses, it’s clear that the 19-year-old midfielder will play an increasingly crucial role in Ghana’s pursuit of success.
Her leadership, technical abilities, and tactical intelligence have already marked her as one of the standout players of the competition, and her journey with the Black Queens is only just beginning.
Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah deservedly earns the TotalEnergies Woman of the Match award in Ghana’s game against Tanzania! 🇬🇭🙌@Football2Gether | #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024 pic.twitter.com/YkUqYaRGPO
— CAF Women’s Football (@CAFwomen) July 14, 2025
