Ghana crash out of AWCON, Cameroon, Mali through to semis

Geoffrey Mwamburi in Accra,Ghana

Home team Ghana exited the 2018 Africa Women Cup of Nations finals at the group stage after being held to a 1-1 draw by Cameroon who proceeded to the semis after a tight contest played at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday evening.

The draw was enough to fire the Indomitable Lioness to the last four as Group A winners with seven points.

Cameroon are joined by Mali in the semis after the latter twice came from behind to beat Algeria 3-2 in Cape Coast.

At the Accra Sports Stadium, Ghana drew the first blood in 31st minute through Portia Boakye free kick, but the Indomitable Lionesses equalized in the 42 minute through a penalty after Aboudi Onguene was fouled in the box and Manie Patiance fired in the resultant penalty.

Ghana’s efforts of adding another goal were doomed by the Cameroonians who played a defensive game in the last 15 minutes.

“The government and sports lovers including ministers supported the girls in every way possible but it’s unfortunate we did not make it to the semis.

“My players played well but again our second choice goalkeeper Ama Nana Asantewaa cost us for conceding a childish penalty,” a fuming Said Basir Haford, Black Queens head coach, bemoaned after the game.

In Cape Coast, Lydia Belkacemi put Algeria ahead after 37 minutes, with Fatoumata Diarra hitting an equalizer for Mali in the second half.

Imene Merrouche restored Algeria’s lead from the penalty spot in the 62nd minute to make it 2-1 with Mali seemingly down and out.

Seven minutes from time, Aissatou Diadhiou scored a dramatic goal which meant Algeria needed to add a goal to avoid elimination.

Mali made sure of their place in the semi-finals after Fatoumata Diarra scored late, late in stoppage time to send Algeria packing.

Focus now shift to Saturday where champions Nigeria face already eliminated Equatorial Guinea as Zambia take on Group B leaders South Africa at the Accra Sports Stadium, in final Group B matches.