WAFCON 2024: Chantelle Hlorkah Hails Teammates as Black Queens Advance to Quarter-Finals
Ghanaian forward Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah has shared her joy and admiration for her teammates after the Black Queens booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a resounding 4-1 win over Tanzania.
In what was a must-win match for Ghana to secure progression from Group C, the team delivered a spirited and commanding performance at the Stade de la Paix on Monday evening. The result not only sent the Black Queens through to the knockout stage but also reinforced their title credentials as they now prepare to face Algeria in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
The match began with high intensity, and Ghana made their intentions clear early on. Princella Adubea fired the Black Queens into the lead within the opening minutes, setting the tone for the rest of the encounter. Despite the early breakthrough, Tanzania managed to find a way back into the game. Stumai Abdallah capitalized on a defensive lapse to bring the East Africans level before the halftime break.
However, the second half was all about Ghana. A rejuvenated side returned after the interval with renewed focus and determination. Alice Kusi restored Ghana’s lead with a well-taken goal before Evelyn Badu extended the advantage, giving the Black Queens a comfortable cushion. The final goal of the game came from Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah herself, whose clinical finish sealed the win and capped off a near-perfect night for Ghana.
Following the match, Boye-Hlorkah expressed immense pride in her teammates’ resilience and unity throughout the game. The England-born striker, who has become a key figure in the Ghanaian attack, highlighted the team spirit as a driving force behind their success.
“I’m just incredibly proud—so, so proud of the girls,” she said in her post-match interview. “They really had my back out there. I always try to lead by example. I’m vocal, I push hard, and I give my all for the team. But what makes this group special is that we lift each other up, no matter what happens on the pitch.”
Boye-Hlorkah didn’t shy away from taking responsibility for the team’s defensive slip that led to Tanzania’s equalizer.
“We conceded a goal and I take full responsibility for that moment. But when it happened, I looked around and saw the girls rallying around me. That’s the kind of team we have—we support each other no matter what,” she continued. “At halftime, I reminded everyone that we couldn’t win unless we played as a unit. And that’s exactly what we did in the second half.”
The victory sees Ghana finish second in Group C, behind group leaders Nigeria, who also advanced to the next round. The Black Queens’ strong group stage showing now pits them against Algeria in a high-stakes quarter-final encounter, with a place in the semi-finals and a potential spot at the 2025 FIFA Women’s World Cup on the line.
Boye-Hlorkah concluded her remarks by acknowledging the support of fans both at home and in the stadium.
“This win is for Ghana. It’s for our fans, for everyone who has believed in us. The energy they give us is amazing, and we carry that with us into every game.”
With momentum on their side and confidence running high, the Black Queens now look to extend their impressive run in WAFCON 2024. Their next challenge comes on Saturday against a determined Algerian side, and Ghana will be hoping that their blend of experience, talent, and unity continues to shine through.
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