Black Queens have qualified for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) despite losing the second leg of their final qualifying round tie against Namibia on Tuesday in South Africa.
After claiming a 3-1 victory in the first leg last Friday in Accra, the Black Queens lost 1-0 at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium in the second leg. However, they secured qualification with a 3-2 aggregate victory.
The hosts took a first-half lead, and although they pushed for a second goal in the second half, some outstanding goalkeeping from Cynthia Konlan Findid denied them.
This defeat marked the first under coach Nora Hauptle, who had previously secured 10 consecutive wins. It was also the first time that Hauptle’s side hadn’t scored in a match. Hauptle was emotional at full-time, in tears of joy for achieving qualification.
Under Hauptle’s leadership, the Black Queens have undergone a remarkable transformation, showcasing an elevated level of play. The team, previously struggling to qualify for the previous tournament, have become a joy to watch, with many acknowledging their newfound brilliance.
Hauptle and her side now join hosts Morocco, South Africa, and Algeria, who had already booked their slots on Monday. Record champions Nigeria are also on the verge of qualification.