The Black Queens of Ghana return to the knockout stage of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 2016, setting up a high-stakes quarterfinal clash with a defensively resilient Algerian side on Saturday at 16:00 GMT at the Berkane Stadium.
With three finals appearances in their history, Ghana will be hoping to revive their continental pedigree after group stage exits in four of their last five appearances.
Ghana’s opponents, Algeria, have quietly written a new chapter at this year’s tournament. Undefeated and yet to concede a goal, Les Vertes qualified from a tough Group B ahead of Tunisia after holding nine-time champions Nigeria and defeating Botswana.
Goalkeeper Chloe N’Gazi has been central to their run and was named best goalkeeper of the group stage. However, their challenge will intensify against a Ghanaian side that scored four goals in their last outing.
The Black Queens, after a shaky start, seem to have found form just in time. A 4-1 win over Tanzania restored belief and highlighted the attacking depth in Kim Björkegren’s squad.
Ghana will also welcome back striker Doris Boaduwaa, whose return from suspension boosts their frontline that already features Alice Kusi, who has scored in back-to-back games.
While Ghana have struggled for clean sheets—conceding in all three group games—Algeria’s main concern lies in their goal output. They have scored just once in 276 minutes, registering the lowest shot conversion rate (4.17%) among the quarterfinalists.
Historically, Ghana have had the upper hand in this fixture, winning two of their three WAFCON meetings with Algeria. But Les Vertes are playing with newfound composure and defensive discipline.
For both teams, Saturday’s contest is not only a shot at a semifinal place but a defining test of their growth, belief, and ambition on Africa’s biggest stage.
